Discover the African American Heritage Museum of Southern, NJ

Discover the African American Heritage Museum of Southern, NJ

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 1.1 Background and Inspiration
2. Collecting African-American Memorabilia 2.1 Discovering Little Black Sambo 2.2 Building a Personal Collection
3. Stereotypes and African-American Products 3.1 The Impact of Stereotype Merchandise 3.2 Store-Bought Products vs Homemade
4. The Significance of Cast Iron Banks 4.1 History and Collectibility 4.2 Role in African-American Culture
5. Travel Souvenirs and Racial Bias 5.1 The Practice of Bringing Stereotype Merchandise as Gifts 5.2 Experiences with Klan Memorabilia
6. Celebrating 20 Years at the Dr. Martin Luther King Center 6.1 Milestones and Achievements 6.2 Visitors from Around the Country
7. Atlantic City: A Town of Contrasts 7.1 An Unexpected Discovery 7.2 African-American Excellence in Atlantic City
8. The Northside: Telling the True Story 8.1 Nelson Johnson's Book "The Northside" 8.2 Honoring the History of Atlantic City's African-American Community
9. The Chitlin' Circuit and the Club Harlem 9.1 Entertainment and Segregation 9.2 The Legacy of Club Harlem
10. Green Book Cottages and Safe Havens 10.1 Clifford Newsome and the Green Book 10.2 Offering Refuge for Traveling African Americans
11. Chicken Bone Beach: A Story of Resilience 11.1 Racial Segregation on Atlantic City's Beaches 11.2 Glamour Row and Madame Sara Spencer Washington
12. Madame Sara Spencer Washington and the APEX Company 12.1 Empowering the Community 12.2 Contributions to African-American Culture
13. Preserving the Past: The Importance of Archives 13.1 The Growth of the Collection 13.2 Memories That Last Forever
14. Conclusion 14.1 Embracing the Legacy

Article

Introduction

Growing up in Philadelphia, I always had the opportunity to visit a lot of museums and art galleries, which sparked my love for African American art and history. Years later, during a sabbatical, I embarked on a Journey to Collect African-American memorabilia. This decision would ultimately lead to the creation of a personal museum, a place where the rich history and culture of African Americans can be showcased and celebrated.

Collecting African-American Memorabilia

Discovering Little Black Sambo

During my travels, I stumbled upon an antique store in North Carolina, where I inquired about African-American or Black memorabilia. The clerk hesitantly Mentioned a book called "Little Black Sambo" that was tucked away in the back room. Intrigued, I persuaded her to let me purchase it and that marked the beginning of my collection.

Building a Personal Collection

Initially, I collected these items for my personal enjoyment, cherishing the opportunity to share them with only a select few. However, as friends and acquaintances began visiting my home, they were captivated by the treasure trove of historical artifacts. It was then that the idea of a museum took root in my mind.

Stereotypes and African-American Products

The Impact of Stereotype Merchandise

Growing up, African Americans would often encounter products perpetuating stereotypes, such as Aunt Jemima, Cream of Wheat, and "Little Black Sambo." These items were a constant reminder of the racial biases prevalent in society. Ironically, most African American families, including my own, preferred making their own homemade versions of these products rather than purchasing them.

Store-Bought Products vs Homemade

Cast iron banks became sought-after collectibles, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era. These banks, originating from Europe in the late 1700s, were cherished possessions that allowed individuals to save money. The display of such items in my museum tells a story of resilience and the accumulation of wealth amidst adversity.

Travel Souvenirs and Racial Bias

The Practice of Bringing Stereotype Merchandise as Gifts

When African Americans traveled across the country, they often encountered stereotype merchandise, including the very products they made from scratch back home. Paradoxically, these items were sometimes brought back as gifts for maids and other domestic workers, perpetuating racial biases even further.

Experiences with Klan Memorabilia

Occasionally, my museum encounters items associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The presence of such memorabilia serves as a stark reminder of the persistent racism that African Americans have faced throughout history. It also underscores the importance of education and understanding in combating hatred and prejudice.

Celebrating 20 Years at the Dr. Martin Luther King Center

After two decades of dedicated work, the Dr. Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville has become a hub for celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of those who fought for equality and justice.

Atlantic City: A Town of Contrasts

My journey eventually brought me to Atlantic City, a city that holds both significant historical importance and stark racial segregation. Although renowned for its entertainment industry, the African-American community was confined to a specific section known as the Northside, where they lived and worked.

The Northside: Telling the True Story

Nelson Johnson's book, "The Northside," sheds light on the vibrant history of Atlantic City's African-American community. The book delves into the early days of Atlantic City, highlighting the tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans who flocked there during the Great Migration.

The Chitlin' Circuit and the Club Harlem

Despite facing discrimination and being excluded from playing at big hotels on the boardwalk, African-American entertainers found solace and opportunity at the iconic Club Harlem. They formed part of the renowned Chitlin' Circuit, a network of venues that embraced African-American talent and showcased their exceptional performances.

Green Book Cottages and Safe Havens

Clifford Newsome and the Green Book played a vital role in providing African Americans with safe accommodations during times of racial segregation. The cottages recommended in the Green Book offered refuge to African Americans traveling from Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York, or Philadelphia, ensuring they could enjoy Atlantic City without being subjected to Jim Crow laws.

Chicken Bone Beach: A Story of Resilience

Racial segregation extended to the beaches of Atlantic City, with African Americans relegated to a section known as Chicken Bone Beach. Despite the derogatory association, this beach became a symbol of resilience and community pride. Adjacent to Chicken Bone Beach was Glamour Row, a section frequented by African Americans, where unforgettable memories were made.

Madame Sara Spencer Washington and the Apex Company

A prominent figure in Atlantic City's African-American community, Madame Sara Spencer Washington, played a pivotal role in empowering individuals through her business, Apex. The company manufactured hair care products and provided employment opportunities for thousands of African Americans. Madame Washington's contributions extended beyond business, as she organized events that celebrated the community and challenged racial barriers.

Preserving the Past: The Importance of Archives

With over 13,000 pieces in our archives, our collection continues to grow. These pieces serve as tangible reminders of the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Preserving these artifacts ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the journey that led me to Create this museum, I am filled with a Sense of gratitude and purpose. The memories and experiences embodied within these walls are priceless, and it is my hope that visitors to the museum will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history and culture of African Americans. By embracing our past, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Highlights:

• The journey of collecting African-American memorabilia
• Challenging racial biases through the museum's collection
• The significance of cast iron banks and their role in African-American culture
• Souvenirs as perpetuators of stereotypes and racial bias
• Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Center
• Atlantic City's complex history of segregation and African-American excellence
• Telling the true story of Atlantic City's Northside
• The Chitlin' Circuit and the iconic Club Harlem
• The importance of Green Book cottages and safe havens
• Chicken Bone Beach and Madame Sara Spencer Washington's contributions
• Preserving the past through archives