America's Black Holocaust Museum Continues James Cameron's Legacy and Receives $1 Million Donation and Statue
It was a sad day when the doors to America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) closed in 2008. Since then, ABHM has been an online museum that showcases the vision James Cameron had when he first opened the doors in 1988.
For the last few years, it has been the mission of Ald. Milele Coggs and developer Melissa Goins to reopen ABHM in the same location that it started, located at 401 W. North Ave. And with the help of the community, ABHM is expected to permanently open to the public around the Democratic National Convention in July.
$750,000 will be used to start an ABHM endowment. (Picture provided by The GMF)
On Jan. 24, ABHM received a $1 million donation from The Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), along with a statue and an additional $120,000 grant.
“The America Black Holocaust Museum honors the people. This institution will bring people together for healing…for learning,” said CEO and President of The GMF Ellen Gilligan. “We must continue to invest and celebrate the history of Bronzeville.”
According to ABHM CEO and President Dr. Roberts Davis, $750,000 of the grant will be used to start an endowment for ABHM.
“Museums have captured the essence of all cultures…this one is no exception,” said Davis. ABHM will capture African Americans’ history before enslavement, during and after.
It’s taking the entire community to permanently open the doors to ABHM. (Picture provided by The GMF)
Along with the money, ABHM was gifted the “Seated Warrior”, which is a statue apart of the series BAM created by accredited artist Stanford Biggers. According to Biggers, every statue a part of the BAM series was taken to a gun range and shot. The little pieces were then dipped in Bronze and they represent people who’ve been murdered by police. The Seated Warrior is the only piece a part of the series that wasn’t shot because she’s watching over the others.
“[Seated Warrior] is the one who protects all at the end of the day,” said Biggers.
Biggers said it feels as if Seater Warrior is returning home by being placed at ABHM.
ABHM is one of the many developments in Bronzeville that are pushing to build back up the neighborhood. Just like around the country, Milwaukee’s Bronzeville was destroyed, but it’s slowly coming back.
“We lost it, but now we’re reemerging,” said Davis.
To follow America’s Black Holocaust Museum’s journey, click here.