The International African American Museum (IAAM) has opened in the city of Charleston, on a stretch of land housing Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston, South Carolina. The museum, which has officially opened to the public, would form part of the enduring legacies of Charleston City and the city’s mayor, Joseph P. Riley Jr., who initiated the idea.
Speaking at the grand opening, Dean of Fine Arts at Howard University, Phylicia Rashad, said that it’s a lot looking out “into Gasden’s Wharf, into harbor where 100,000 Africans first touched the soil of the United States of America—right here where you are seated—it’s a lot.”
While making her speech, she referenced the history of slavery associated with the location where the museum was built.
“Yes, this location represents one of the most prolific slave warehouses and operations in history. But now, today, we reclaim this land and honor the countless lives lost and enslaved with a monument to our history, our families, our heritage, our contributions, and, yes, our future,” She said.
On his part, Riley spoke about the historical insights of the museum, the importance and its impact on the future.
“Truth sets us free: free to understand, free to respect, and free to appreciate the full spectrum of our shared history; free to feel empathy and common purpose; and free to build a stronger future together,” Riley said.
The IAAM documents the history of African Americans who arrived in the U.S. as slaves and how they contributed to the development of the country. It is designed to capture the travails and challenges of African Americans in the U.S., from their early arrivals as slaves to recent times.
It also serves as a tonic of healing for the dark days of servitude and slavery. It will be a center for learning and a reservoir for intellect and knowledge.
The museum was built in a modern architectural style with artifact display sessions, genealogy research rooms, and exhibition rooms. It would also serve as a museum for the advancement of African-American causes.
The IAAM was set to open in 2020—after 23 years of consistent efforts by the pioneers—but failed following the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The delay in the supply of construction materials for the completion phase of the project also played an important role in its abandonment.
