The International African American Museum (IAAM) hosted a special Labor Day event, Vibes on the Yard, offering free admission to the museum and a block-style party for families. Sponsored by the Black Effect Podcast Network and Charlamagne Tha God, the event, which started at noon, provided an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate African American culture and history.
Embracing Culture and Heritage
For many attendees, the event was an opportunity to connect with their cultural roots. “It’s feeding our culture. We’re feeding our children about us. So, we can grow and not forget and learn from it,” said Anna Freeman. She emphasized the importance of preserving cultural narratives by embracing museums, music, and community spaces.
Asia Cromwell shared her excitement for the event, saying, “This is going to be a great time for my daughter to learn a little bit about the history that we have down here. It’s going to be an opportunity for me to even learn about it even more and to embrace my culture within the family that I have.”
Fun, Food, and Family Activities
The event featured a variety of activities for all ages. Music filled the air for those looking to dance and enjoy the rhythm of the day. The outdoor pop-up shop offered unique items from the IAAM Boutique, while guests could enjoy sweet treats, Icees, and food from the Chuck Town Food Truck.
Kevin Green, of Chuck Town Food Truck, explained why he wanted to participate: “I thought to myself I said I want to be a part of that history. I want to be a part of that community. And that’s why we lowered our prices to make it affordable.”
The museum also had games for children and families to enjoy, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.
The Importance of the Museum’s Location
The IAAM is located on Gadsden’s Wharf, a historic site where nearly 40% of enslaved Africans arrived in the United States. Denise Cromwell reflected on the significance of the museum’s location, saying, “Even as a kid, I always felt like I couldn’t have just come from this rural area in Charleston. I couldn’t have just been born poor… I know, no, there has to be some dignity about who I am and where I came from and where my ancestors came from.”
Embracing Diversity and History
The museum’s dedication to exploring the African American journey resonates with visitors like Cromwell, who said, “We are kings and queens and doctors and lawyers and physicians now. I mean, we’re everything. And so that I like to embrace the good, the bad, the indifference, just to show the difference and the cultural diversity here in Charleston.”
Anna Freeman also highlighted the museum’s importance beyond its building, stating, “The museum does not just start once you get in the building. This museum starts when you enter the grounds of the museum. It has a story to tell before you even go in and I wanted to experience that again.”
A New Campaign for Growth
In addition to the event, the museum launched its “Road to 500k” campaign, aiming to attract 500,000 visitors by the end of 2025 to experience and learn about the African American journey.
The museum continues to play a vital role in educating the community about the rich and complex history of African Americans in Charleston and beyond, making it an essential cultural institution for future generations.
