[Union, SC]: Established in 1995 by curator Angela Jennings, the Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels is a traveling treasure trove of history, culture, and innovation. Designed to educate and inspire, the museum showcases the profound contributions of African Americans from 1860 to the present, delivering a rich narrative suitable for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The exhibit will be in Truluck Gym on Monday, February 3, from 11:00AM – 4:30PM.
The museum’s name, Sankofa, derives from a Ghanaian term meaning “to retrieve the wisdom of the past to build the future.” True to its name, this mobile museum offers a deeply immersive experience, connecting visitors to the triumphs and struggles of African American history, from the painful days of slavery to the modern civil rights movement.
A Unique Collection of Living History
Angela Jennings founded the museum after discovering that her honor student nephew lacked understanding of African American history. Since then, she has traveled across the United States, the US Virgin Islands, West Africa, and Europe to assemble a collection of rare artifacts, art, and memorabilia. These pieces rival the offerings of traditional museums, making Sankofa one of the foremost African American history collections on wheels.
Highlights of the museum include:
- Historical Timelines: Spanning from slavery, the era of King Cotton, and Emancipation to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
- Notable Figures: Learn the stories of trailblazers such as Ida B. Wells, the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama.
- Inventions by African Americans: A unique display showcasing the creative genius and groundbreaking achievements of Black inventors.
- Interactive Dramatizations: Jennings brings history to life with captivating presentations and storytelling, offering audiences both the pain and pride of African American history.
Making Connections Across Generations
In a time when understanding history is more vital than ever, the Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels creates a bridge between past and present. The exhibit incorporates educational themes that resonate with today’s societal issues, including:
- The roots of the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Civil disobedience and protest strategies across history.
- The evolution of leadership and representation in American society.
By connecting historical events to modern struggles and achievements, the museum fosters critical thinking and empowers individuals to draw lessons from history to inform the present and future.
A Must-See Experience
Whether through original artwork, curated artifacts, or engaging storytelling, Sankofa offers an unforgettable exploration of African American heritage. With a focus on education, enlightenment, and empowerment, Angela Jennings invites communities everywhere to experience the journey.
The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels is available for schools, community centers, libraries, and public events.
“It’s more than a museum—it’s a movement. Through Sankofa, we remember, honor, and grow.” — Angela Jennings, Curator.
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