Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/5950
Black Meetings & Tourism December 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 13 M y dear readers, I want to share with you some information sent to me by Black Meetings & Tourism's associate publisher, the love- ly Gloria Herbert. I am just as excited about "America I AM: The African American Imprint" as she is. This exhibi- tion, which began October 30 and runs to April 15, 2010 at the California Science Center, Los Angeles, is an impressive presentation of nearly 500 years of contri- butions from the African-American com- munity to this nation's history. America I AM houses rare artifacts, photos, documents and objects that chronicle and celebrate the trials and the triumphs that have shaped the Black experience in America. The brainchild of popular broadcaster Tavis Smiley, the exhibition recently wrapped a highly successful run in Atlanta, GA drawing more than 100,000 visitors from throughout the southeast. This California Science Center run marks the first showing of the exhibition on the west coast and the third stop on a four year, multi-city tour. Covering 13,000 sq. ft., the presentation details economic, socio-political, cultural and spiritual contributions made by African-Americans to American history. The exhibition jour- neys from important events relating to the African Diaspora up through notable contributions in the 21st century, including the election of the first African-American president. Artifacts featured include: "The Door of No Return" from the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, which enslaved Africans passed through to board ships to the "New World;" The type- writer Alex Haley used to write the groundbreaking book, Roots; Items from contemporary icons including Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Etta James, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jordan, Tupac, and others; Objects representing the African-American troops that fought and impacted the outcome of major U.S. wars; Malcolm X's journal and personal Koran; The door key and stool from the Birmingham jail cell that held Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he authored "Letter from a Birmingham Jail;" Frederick Douglass' clothing and letter from President Lincoln that enabled him to move among Union lines recruiting Black soldiers; The robe that Muhammad Ali wore during training for the "Rumble in the Jungle," where he defeated world heavyweight champion George Foreman. Plus many other important items from the beginning of our nation through today. America I AM developed in partner- ship with Smiley was organized by the Cincinnati Museum Center and Arts and Exhibitions International (AEI), a divi- sion of AEG Live. AEI also organized the King Tut exhibition that drew nearly 1 million visitors to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in 2005. "America I AM: The African American Imprint encourages all people to connect in a meaningful way with the foundations of democracy, cultural diver- sity, exploration, and free enterprise, which began when the first Africans arrived in Jamestown," said presenter Tavis Smiley. "By telling the stories of the events of the past, we can help the leaders of the future set the stage for active participa- tion in the democratic process for years to come." I believe by telling these stories not only our people but all people will be enriched and enlightened about just HOW MUCH we have done. Time will show just how much more we are doing and will do. Can't wait to see this exhibition in "my" Los Angeles, which is the third stop on the exhibition's 10-city, four-year tour. Tickets are available: Call: (213)744-2019 or visit: www.AmericaIAM.org Note: America I AM was made possible by Walmart Stores, Inc., which serves as its presenting sponsor. The exhibition's educational partner is Northern Trust. Microsoft is the technol- ogy partner. BY PATRICIA ANN JORDAN AMERICA I AM THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IMPRINT