LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When you walk inside Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville's business district, you may find founder Lamont Collins behind the desk and a room full of awe-inspiring African artwork. He's been hard at work creating a new space that he now owns, and he couldn't be happier about the opening on May 1. Anticipation is already building.
What You Need To Know
- Roots 101 is funded by grants and fundraising
- The founder collects art for the museum on his own
- The new space is more than 10,000 square fee
- The museum opens to the public in May
"Like I said, every day, 20 to 30 people is knocking on the door trying to get in. Even on museum row, I didn't have that energy that I have now, so it's the right place and the right time," Collins explained.
Ownership and art are the two foundations of the museum. He rented his former museum on Main Street, but now it's about creating equity in the African American community. And he's settling in nicely to the more than 10,000 square foot building.
"Now we are part of Louisville. We are on the other side of Louisville. We are in the business district of Louisville. The opportunity to own something is unbelievable," he said.
And he's well versed about every piece that lines the museum. Among the most powerful are authentic slave chains, a painful remnant from African American history.
"So these chains mean so much, and it's a foundation to Roots 101 because it is the speaking point to the injustices of America," he said.
He's planning workshops, new exhibits, and a special memorial to honor the life of Breonna Taylor. And at the heart of his vision, all is a commitment to teaching people of every race about African American history.
"Breonna Taylor exposed all the injustices of what's going on today. Her memorial from the time we start it will change, but it always will be respect to Breonna Taylor but also the legacy of protesting in America, protest is progress," he said.
The new location of the museum is 124 North 1st Street.