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Welcome to the International African American Museum! Please note that all visitors need to book timed tickets in advance. Popular dates and times may be sold out.

Feb 10, 2021

Michelin North America and the International African American Museum Announce Inaugural Traveling Exhibition

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 9, 2021 — The International African American Museum and  Michelin North America, Inc., announced today a partnership focused on freedom in the age of mobility. The museum’s mission is to honor untold stories of the African American journey  at one of our country’s most sacred sites. 

“This partnership supports Michelin’s efforts to recognize the legacy of those whose  movements have not been always free and to teach the value of being ‘free to move’ in all  spheres of life,” said William McMillian, executive sponsor of the African American Network  for Michelin North America. “We hope the exhibit will start conversations around a central  question – If you are not free to move, are you fully free? – that builds bridges in our  communities.”  

Michelin’s second major gift to the Museum will fund the inaugural traveling exhibition and a  full set of programming, complete with a curriculum designed for K–12 students. A group of  Michelin employees will also have the opportunity to explore their genealogy through the  museum’s Center for Family History. This program is dedicated to helping individuals and  families advance their understanding of their family’s history and the role their ancestors  played in shaping American history.

“From voyages such as the Underground Railroad, the Great Migration, and Afrofuturism, African American people and culture have been in near constant motion,” said Dr. Elijah  Heyward III, chief operating officer of the International African American Museum.  “Throughout these historical journeys, there has always been another kind of travel: a mental,  emotional and spiritual voyage, in which African Americans have envisioned and pursued a  time and place where the journey ends, and true freedom becomes a reality.” 

The organizations have agreed not to disclose financial terms for the exhibit. 

About the International African American Museum 

The International African American Museum strives to foster empathy and understanding,  empowering visitors with the knowledge of the past. The museum journey will challenge,  illuminate, inspire and ultimately, will move people to action. The Museum’s exhibitions will  share untold stories using classic techniques as well as new approaches driven by  innovation, technology and digital interactivity. Themes will include connections across the  African diaspora, the spread of African American culture and influence, and the movements  for justice and equality. The Center for Family History will enable visitors to trace their  genealogy, while changing exhibitions and special events will keep the Museum energized.  Educational programs will provide life-long learning opportunities for visitors both young and  old. 

The International African American Museum will open in 2022. For more information, visit  our website at www.iaamuseum.org or connect with us on social media @iaamuseum on  Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

About Michelin North America, Inc. 

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility,  sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its  clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels  and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a  variety of industries. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc.  (www.michelinman.com) has more than 21,400 employees and operates 19 major  manufacturing plants. 

For more information: 

International African American Museum 
Dr. Elijah Heyward III 
Chief Operating Officer
[email protected] 
(843) 824-4606 

Michelin North America 
Lauren McClure 
Phone: 864-458-6871 Email: [email protected] | www.michelinmedia.com