MILWAUKEE— America's Black Holocaust Museum is reemerging in Milwaukee's historic Bronzeville neighborhood, more than a decade after it was forced to close.
In 2008, two years after the death of its founder, and the onset of the recession, the museum lost funding and subsequently its housing on 4th Street and North Avenue.
In the following years, community members, led by alderwoman Milele Coggs, fought for a reopening of the space. Eventually, ABHM would receive a $10 million anonymous donation, that paved the way for the acquiring of a new building, also on North Avenue.
The new space explores the experiences of Black people from their journey from Africa into the US. The exhibits purposely begin before slavery, to emphasize the humanity and lived experiences of Africans before the middle passage. It then continues through the often painful existence in America of Black people but also highlights how many triumphed over tragedy.
The museum's President and CEO, Robert Davis said different narratives must be explored. He added, "The truth about our existence has been diminished, omitted, changed, augmented any word you want. We have rarely been given the proper credit of the truths of what our people have done and contributed to this world."
The museum was born out of pain. Founder, Dr. James Cameron is said to be the only known lynching survivor. He was lynched in Indiana in 1930, and when he survived, was jailed for five years. He dedicated the rest of his life to educating others, including through the creation of America's Black Holocaust Museum.
The museum is celebrating the reopening by offering free admission on February 25th, opening day.