The Mobile Museum Of Black Artifacts

The Journey Phase #1

The Mobile Museum, “Roll out the Black “hit the road on November 10th, 2016 hailing from the Rhode Island State Capital beginning phase one of its historic journey. The primary goal was to cross 7 states making 7 presentations in 7 cities while offering a unique opportunity to the public to view rare artifacts from American History and its’ unspoken past. The exhibit also highlights the accomplishments and contributions of Blacks in America and the struggles of Black and White Abolitionist and Civil Rights Activist’s coming together in the battle for justice and equality.
The first stop and presentation was at the Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut. Community leaders and State Officials gathered on the grounds where slave auctions and the first Amistad Trials began on September 19, 1839. The second stop was Al Sharpton’s specific organization, The National Action Network (NAC) in Harlem NY. The NAC Staff hosted the event and Al Sharpton’s daughter Dominique delivered a personal welcome. The excitement and interest in the Mobile Museum was over whelming and continued throughout the entire day! The next stop was the Apollo Theatre in New York. A very early arrival ensured our parking and the museum was parked directly in front of the world-famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem NY. The door opened and a dialogue on race in America was presented to a very diverse population of people from a mix of places and races. After two days in Harlem it was off to Jersey City, NJ. The Mobile Museum was parked in front of the Chamber of Commerce Building at the Islamic Book Center in New Jersey and the museum was opened to all who passed by. At nightfall, the museum was parked in Liberty Park, NJ which attracted campers who wanted to view the Museum as well as a host of others. Next, it was off to Maryland! In Maryland, a welcome was hosted by family and school children who arrived by bus to witness the museum. Our final stop was the nation’s capital, Washington, DC! In the capitol city, the museum traveled to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. An early arrival was essential in Washington, D.C.; given the long lines that characterized the diverse crowds of people from across the nation and even the globe! Everyone waited to get tickets to enter the new amazing museum and we did it! We received the treasured tickets and entered the Smithsonian’s newest, most talked about museum! Mission accomplished. Phase #1 of the endeavor was undoubtedly a success!
Onna Moniz-John, Curator