Charleston, S.C. – On Labor Day, the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston welcomed hundreds of visitors as part of its ‘Road to 500K Campaign’, a mission to reach 500,000 visitors by the end of the year.
The Road to 500K Campaign
The campaign, launched to encourage funding and support for the museum, underscores the need for greater public access and the opportunity for education on Black history and Charleston’s significant ties to the history of slavery.
Dr. Tonya Matthews, President and CEO of the IAAM, shared the significance of the museum’s mission, stating:
“It means something special to be in this place, a site of a former transatlantic slave trading port, and look at what one of the descendants is doing now. We’re here to tell this story and invite everyone to participate in it with us.”
The Importance of Preserving Black History
The IAAM’s campaign is especially timely given the federal budget cuts threatening funding for Black history museums across the country. Tamorya Green, a Charleston native, expressed her concerns about the cuts:
“I take offense to that as an African American woman and having African American children. I feel like if they wipe things out like this, our kids will not know the truth. They won’t understand their value.”
Dr. Matthews emphasized the importance of telling the complete story of African American history:
“The challenge of telling only parts of history is that it often leaves people feeling incomplete. … We tell the whole story in ways that people can receive it. I’d like to say it’s about the intersection of trauma and joy. There’s no sad part, there’s no happy part, there’s just us.”
A Comprehensive View of African American History
The museum aims to tell the full African American journey, from the Middle Passage to the present day, ensuring that visitors understand the challenges, triumphs, and contributions of Black people throughout history.
Fundraising Goals and Impact
In addition to the 500,000-visitor goal, the IAAM has set ambitious fundraising goals, including gaining 1,500 new members and inspiring 2,000 donors.
Ashlei Elise, the museum’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the critical role of memberships in keeping the museum running:
“When you start thinking about our charter members, our annual members, it’s the use in the ‘I’s. And so everybody that comes through our museum to support us, you matter.”
The Power of Community Support
The museum’s current funding is driven by a mix of public, corporate, government, and individual support, with a significant portion coming from individual donors. The IAAM has also set a goal of raising $500,000 by year’s end to continue its mission of educating the public on African American stories.
The Need for Cultural Preservation
Dr. Matthews stressed the importance of the IAAM’s existence in Charleston, stating:
“It’s really important to have a museum like this here in Charleston because if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. And that includes African Americans, but it also includes Charleston. It includes South Carolina. We have some extraordinary stories here.”
The IAAM continues to serve as a vital institution for understanding the rich history and legacy of African Americans, particularly in Charleston, a city that played a central role in the history of slavery. As the Road to 500K Campaign progresses, the museum hopes to secure a future where more people can access this important history and contribute to the preservation and telling of African American stories.
