Where Are We Now?
Where are we now? We are
in the
process of publishing
or assisting others in publishing
stories
and histories related to
African-American history of
Chattanooga.
The recently
completed school
activity
workbook can serve as the
foundation for several units of
study in local classrooms.
The
museum recently cooperated
in the publication of a remarkably
detailed book about the U.S.
Colored Troops which were
stationed
in Chattanooga
during latter stages of the
Civil War. The post war
industrial
city of Chattanooga was largely
the result of their
labors under
the command of Union Army of
the Cumberland
quartermasters –
many of whom stayed and
originated banks,
businesses and
a wide variety of enterprises.
Local Chattanoogans who have
made significant contributions
in
music and the arts have
also been represented. A book
has just
been published on
Mr. Russell Goode whose
professional
accomplishments
and travels are certainly
something of which he
and all of Chattanooga can be proud.
The museum was proud to host
the annual Convention of the
American Association of African
American Museums last year.
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Rose
Martin, Current Executive Director
The role and responsibility of the Board of Directors
is to keep the mission, vision and values alive in the Chattanooga
African-American Museum/Bessie Smith Hall in order for continued
growth. By asking whether the funding sources are moving us toward
or away from our mission, whether our behavior and attitudes
toward other people reflect our values, whether there is effective
outreach programming within the community and good planning for
the management team in place for the success of the institution.
Our Board and Staff have worked to further the goals for the
development of the Chattanooga African American Museum which were
to preserve and exhibit the African American history of
Chattanooga. Since the 1980’s, the needed attempts to compensate
for the failure of the American education system to provide
adequate inclusion of the role of African American people in all
areas of American history and culture has caused some changes in
the course of that mission. It is our belief that African American
history should be taught all year round and used by all. Our
mission is to enlighten and to teach others about little known
facts which have been and are being discovered by those interested
in true American history.
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We have worked to maintain the mission, vision and values so as to
continue to provide a public center for research and exhibition of
the achievements made by African-Americans of Chattanooga. We will
continue to develop a universal appreciation and interest in
African American heritage through community education and other
meaningful approaches and materials for this vital awareness.
America is experiencing a growth and reawakening of interest in
African American history and culture. This is evidenced by
increased interest and participation in activities that promote
advancement of knowledge of African and American history and
culture. It is also demonstrated by a proliferation of books,
movies, documentaries, African-Americans traveling to Africa, an
increase in African American studies programs, genealogy research,
heritage tourism and establishment of African-American Museums
across the nation. Expanded research and writing,
especially by African-Americans, is providing abundant
information, different perspectives and fresh interpretations of
history. Perhaps these are inspired by the wisdom of the African
proverb which says: “Until the lion writes his own story, the tale
of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
The museum attracts thousands of visitors annually, which is prima
facie evidence that people are interested in learning about
African heritage.
Thus, the purpose of the Chattanooga African-American Museum is
not just to relate to the history of African-Americans of
Chattanooga, but to serve as a testimonial to and for all the
people of this city. It is a historical memory and legacy for the
adults and youth of today and we hope it will stimulate their
interest in the documentation of family stories to record their
own histories. Certainly it will admonish that if we do not
network to facilitate our understanding of the kinds of historical
jewels we have and make every effort to preserve them, they will
either be lost or stolen as their claim.
The Chattanooga African-American Museum will serve as a reminder
of the value of our collective history and become griots – to
collect, preserve, protect, celebrate and keep our stories alive. |
