( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) $1.7 Million Product Donation Helps Create Immersive Exhibits on African American History
ENSPIRE Contributor: Abby Ladner
Sony Corporation of America has announced a $1.7 million product donation to the upcoming International African American Museum. The museum, scheduled to open in 2022, sits at Gadsen’s Wharf in Charleston, S.C., the exact location where many captive Africans first stepped foot in America. The museum plans to highlight the untold stories of African Americans throughout history, from life in Africa centuries ago to the present day.
The donation comes from Sony’s Global Social Justice Fund and will go towards outfitting the Atlantic Worlds Gallery, the centerpiece of the museum. Sony’s donation includes large digital displays that will help create immersive and interactive exhibits. Through these exhibits, the museum will showcase important figures, events, and experiences in African American history. Exhibits will explore a wide range of topics, such as the spread of African American culture, African American diaspora, and movements for racial justice. They offer educational, professional development, and faith-based programs for visitors of the museum.
The museum will also house the Center for Family History. This center will serve as a research hub for groundbreaking advancements in African American genealogy. Through this center, visitors can learn how to research their genealogy and explore their family history. The center collects photos, documents, and other resources to support the preservation of African American genealogy. Their online learning center also provides tutorials on how to go about genealogical research and lets you explore the digital records they’ve collected.
On the ground level of the museum, the African Ancestors Memorial Garden will be free and open to the public. This space will be a place of reflection for guests. The garden will include an outline of the wharf’s original shoreline and provide spots for quiet contemplation. It will also host performances and programs for the museum.
The International African American Museum will provide a comprehensive exploration of African American history and culture at an important historical site. The museum will open in early 2022. To learn more, visit their website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Learn more about Sony Corporation of American and its contribution to the museum here.
