In partnership with Coe College, the AAMI is offering free tickets to Cirque Zuma Zuma with every museum admission purchased by February 11. Members of the Museum are invited to pick up tickets at anytime the Museum is open. About the Event: Described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Zuma Zuma packs every show […]
Iowa’s history holds a wealth of African American history. From York, the first African American in Iowa and member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, to Iowa's integrated schools in 1867, just two years after slavery, to the first Black president, Barack Obama, Iowa has been the place of many strides for African Americans. Come […]
February 11 is set aside for children in the country of Cameroon to rededicate themselves to the importance of nonviolence in their daily lives and strive for education. The African American Museum of Iowa will connect this rededication with the nonviolent efforts of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. This program is for children in preschool […]
The term "soul food" did not become common until the 1960s, with the rise of the civil rights and black nationalist movements, but foods like collard greens, black-eyed peas, corn bread, and fried chicken have been a part of the African American culinary legacy for centuries. Dr. Sharp will share her research on the culinary […]
There have been many community conversations regarding ways we can combat violence in our communities, as well as how we can ensure the criminal justice system is equal for all. We have engaged and supported the work of the SET task force and have been a part of many community conversations on ways to improve […]
This presentation uses music to explore African American history, from the African beats to the jazz of the Harlem Renaissance to the popular music of the Civil Rights movement. The influences of traditional African music can be seen in the spirituals sung by African Americans while they worked as slaves, elements of spirituals can be […]
Featured image from PBS. Join us at the Cedar Rapids Public library for a screening of "The Talk: Race in America." This two-hour documentary is about the increasingly common conversation taking place in homes and communities across the country between parents of color and their children, especially sons, about how to behave if they are […]
Join us for a free screening of Uncommon Allies which talks about the grassroots efforts to stem the tide of violence in Kansas City. The documentarian and film participants will also do a panel after the screening to share first hand their experiences and take questions. View the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/239574961 The screening will take […]
Join us in the mobilization of parents and community members by participating in this series* of community forums at the African American Museum of Iowa. Together we will identify obstacles and opportunities for parental and community involvement in the education process of our children. Help us create change for our children, tomorrow's leaders. This event […]
In 1839 the first territorial government of Iowa past a series of laws that denied black residents citizenship rights like the right to vote, testify in court, act as jurors, or participate in the state militia. In addition to these restrictions, the legislature passed “An Act to Regulate Blacks and Mulattoes.” The act was intended […]
Join us on February 28 to round off our Black History Month celebrations with discounted access to the Museum! We will be offering $1 admissions and extended hours (10 AM to 7 PM), making this the perfect opportunity for families, students, and young professionals to explore our exhibits. This event will overlap with Cedar Rapids […]
