America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) was founded in 1988 by lynching survivor Dr. James Cameron to share the under-told experiences of African Americans as a critical part of our collective history. The original museum closed in 2008. ABHM is reopening this year in a new building at 401 W. North Ave., Milwaukee on the same footprint as the original museum.
Like the original, the new ABHM highlights life before captivity in Africa; the trans-Atlantic slave trade; the eras of slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, civil rights, and the present day; and the role of culture and the arts in the survival of the aforementioned atrocities. Exhibits explore the effect of slavery on economic, physical, emotional, and cultural health, as well as its residual impact on current race-related issues. Trained docents accompany museum visitors, providing narrative and perspective about the history and context surrounding the exhibits.
The museum offers sound and video for a fully immersive experience, a quiet contemplation room, a “reflective” room in which visitors can share their museum experiences, and a community space for events and programs addressing issues of race, inclusion, and equity.
The museum is managed by the Dr. James Cameron Legacy Foundation, whose mission is to build public awareness of the harmful legacies of slavery in America and promote racial repair, reconciliation, and healing.
Split the Plate is one of UUCW’s programs of outreach and generosity. Each month we give half of all undesignated offering monies to a non-profit organization as a way to help us live our Unitarian Universalist values and serve our community. For additional information, please contact Split the Plate member, Pat Rierson.
