What began as an attempt to answer a question famously put forth by noted scholar W. E. B. DuBois: "Would America have been America without her Negro people?" resulted in creating an experience unlike any other—rich with cultural, political, and spiritual history, told through a collection of artifacts that may never again be on display together. America I AM outlines pivotal moments of courage, conviction, and creativity that celebrate the undeniable imprint of African Americans on the society in which we live today. Tavis Smiley is the presenter and creative force behind this magnificent touring exhibition.
Through more than 200 rare historic objects, photographs, documents, and multimedia detailing nearly five centuries of African Americans' economic, socio-political, cultural, and spiritual contributions, visitors can explore how African Americans have contributed to and shaped American culture. The exhibition relates important events and people from the beginnings of the nation through the present-day inauguration of the first African American president.
Among these rare, unique artifacts are: Rosa Parks's December 1955 arrest card; the key to the cell where Martin Luther King, Jr., authored his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," as well as the draft of his little-known controversial "Beyond Vietnam" speech; and Muhammad Ali's "Rumble in the Jungle" training robe. Also featured are contributions by unsung heroes such as the Black Brigade of Cincinnati (a unit of Black soldiers who helped fight Confederate forces threatening Cincinnati during the Civil War), and inventor Garrett Morgan, a former Cincinnatian widely credited with inventing the gas mask and traffic signal.
Through 12 galleries, America I AM conveys a journey from struggle to triumph to celebration. Visitors will walk past the "Doors of No Return" and view personal artifacts and innovations from African American artists, activists, and inventors. They can get up close and personal with musical icon Prince's purple guitar, which he famously played during Super Bowl XLI. Tennis fans can also peruse items from tennis legend Arthur Ashe and present-day star Serena Williams.
After touring the exhibition, an interactive area allows visitors to leave their own video "imprints" that will grow throughout the tour, with the potential to become the largest recorded oral history project in U.S. history.
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