Journey To The Past
Visiting The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina
In 2023, a beacon of truth and resilience rose in Charleston, South Carolina: the International African American Museum (IAAM)
Standing tall on Gadsden's Wharf, a site where an estimated 40% of enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas, the IAAM serves not just as a museum, but as a sacred space for reflection, education, and healing. The entrance blends with the local landscape, inviting visitors to find where the water meets the land.
As we approach UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition on August 23rd, the IAAM stands as a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade's global impact. The stories etched within these walls transcend national borders, echoing the experiences of millions forcibly brought to the Americas. Here, the abstract brutality transforms into tangible narratives, giving voice to those who endured.
At the end of 2023, Civility Localized founder Christine Edwards visited the museum and described it as a transcendent experience that simultaneously evoked senses of “reverence, grief, hope, and pride”. You can glimpse parts of Christine’s journey through the museum in the photos shared in this blog.
Beyond serving as a stark reminder of the past, the IAAM is a catalyst for change. It challenges us to confront the legacies of slavery, not just on a national level, but on a global one. It prompts us to examine how these systems of oppression transcend time, shaping the world we live in today.
The IAAM is also a vibrant celebration of Black resilience, creativity, and achievement – a story that goes beyond the boundaries of modern nation-states. Through interactive exhibits, art installations, and historical documents, the museum illuminates the profound impact of African Americans on global culture, art, music, literature, science, and social movements.
The month of August is traditionally dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in business and philanthropy. As such, it serves as a fitting backdrop for exploring the fullness of African American history and culture. Our founder's visit to the IAAM served as a poignant reminder of the power of institutions like these to inspire, educate, and drive positive change. We hope that by sharing this experience we can inspire others to commit to uplifting and engaging our communities in good faith.
Center For Family History
For those seeking to explore genealogy, the IAAM's Center for Family History offers impressive resources. This dedicated area provides access to global networks of genealogical records and research assistance that go beyond the 1870 US Census. Visitors can learn about the broader African American experience and where their own families fit into it.
The museum's 2023 opening was a monumental occasion, not just for Charleston but for the world. Like many institutions of its kind, the IAAM fosters dialogue, reflection, and inspiration. By supporting the IAAM and its mission to educate, empower, and inspire, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for more inclusive futures for generations to come.
We want to know: have you visited the IAAM in Charleston, or others like it? What were you able to learn during your time at museums like this one?
Civility Localized remains committed to fostering inclusive communities and celebrating the global impact of African Americans. We appreciate that the IAAM and institutions like it serve as historical institutions and as vital resources. Recently Civility Localized partnered with the Charlotte Museum of History and launched applications for a proprietary Civic Impact Academy. This initiative leverages this historical Charlotte institution and aims to equip marginalized communities as they build social capital and learn to engage local governments to solve local challenges. Read more in past blogs.
