More than 100 museums dedicated to African-American history are currently in operation in the United States, according to the U.S. State Department. Carbondale is not on the list, and for the matter neither is the Southern Illinois region.
Establishing an African-American museum in Southern Illinois would be a wonderful educational tool for students, faculty and residents in the area of all races. It would also be a tremendous showpiece for Southern Illinois, which has its own steep tradition in black history.
The effort to establish the museum began in 1997. Southern Illinois Achievers, a group of local residents and SIU faculty led by City Councilwoman Corene McDaniel, have worked to bring the museum to life. Originally, the group wanted to increase awareness about local influential black leaders. As word of their efforts spread, the organization began receiving items donated by local residents.
Last week, items and other exhibits went on display in the University Mall, including paintings, quilts and shackles worn by slaves. Such items deserve a permanent home. The museum is expected to house these items, but exhibits on positive African-American role models remains a primary focus.
Southern Illinois' history is rich with such people, including William Archie Jones, Carbondale's first black city councilman, and Eurma Hayes Center founder Norvell Haynes. The museum can help tell their stories and keep their memories alive.
The museum has plenty of support in this area, including the University, the Bank of Carbondale, the Carbondale Chapter of the NAACP, among other local organizations. Securing a permanent location for the museum is still a work in progress. The project is still in need of financial support to secure a facility.
SI Achievers has relied on local churches and schools as viable places to showcase exhibits. McDaniel, a former president of the Carbondale Chapter of the NAACP, and other members of SI Achievers should be commended for their diligence, passion and hard work in moving the effort this far.
The museum would be the first of its kind in Southern Illinois. Supporters envision it as a place to bring together people from the region, those from other parts of the state and out-of-state visitors. Southern Illinois has a rich history, and an African-American Museum will only help better represent that history.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
