Southern Livingrecently spoke with the museums president and CEO, Dr. Tonya Matthews, and she explained this further.
This extended to the architect chosen for the project, Henry Cobb.
Instead, the building was constructed sitting atop 18 pillars that are 13 feet tall.
Credit:IAAM
Landscape architect Walter Hood designed the African Ancestors Memorial Garden.
One of the defining features of thisgardenis the Tide Tribute that is right at the edge of the property.
Showing how Africans may have been packed into the bottom of slave ships.
Credit:IAAM
So its a moment of reflection, depending on how youre embracing it.
Are you seeing the people we lost there?
Are you seeing the people who refused to let go and came through this space?
Credit:Greg Noire/IAAM
As Matthews explained, the journey through the museum will tell the whole story of the African American experience.
From ancient African civilizations all the way up to modern times, America across the diaspora, she said.
Another unique element that IAAM offers is theCenter for Family History, a genealogy-and-ancestry resource center.
The idea is that this ground, this place has a story.
Because its all very much inter-connected, Matthews explained.
Entry to the Center for Family History is included with your admission ticket to the museum.
Its a place to honor and celebrate the entire story of the African American experience.
Its trauma and joy constantly woven in together.
