International African American Museum

10/23/2026

Reflecting on an unforgettable afternoon at last week’s Legacy & Lineage Symposium as part of IAAM Homecoming 2026!

Together, we explored IAAM’s 2026 theme, Soul(Food) of Freedom, through two deeply inspiring panel discussions on history, memory, tradition, and culture:

🏛️ Still Here: Descendants, Memory, and the Work of Reclaiming African American History in the American Story

Moderated by Live 5 News anchor Samantha German, panelists Tamara Lanier, Yaba Baker, and Altevese Rosario-Jones came together for a powerful conversation on memory, ownership, and the essential right of descendants to shape how their ancestors are remembered.

🥘 The Pot Remembers: Cooking Stories, Carrying Traditions, and Claiming Freedom Across the Diaspora Through Food

Celebrated chef and television personality Carla Hall and Chef Chaz Brown engaged in a rich dialogue on food as storytelling, self-determination, and cultural preservation across the African Diaspora—reminding us of what a dish remembers that history books cannot.

From recovering family histories to preserving traditions in our kitchens, thank you to everyone who joined us to honor how African American history lives on in our communities.

Revisit the conversation: https://www.youtube.com/live/QsWNGu1KOlA?si=MMIKu_LUXbFwGwAY

(📸: Katrina S Crawford Photography)

10/22/2026

Looking back on inspiring and powerful evening! 🌟

Last week, on Friday, October 16, the International African American Museum proudly presented the annual IAAM Culture Awards as a premier highlight of IAAM Homecoming 2026.

The celebration honored extraordinary leaders, historic descendant families, cultural preservationists, and culinary innovators whose vital work exemplifies the preservation, reclamation, and advancement of African American history and culture.

We extend our deepest congratulations to our remarkable 2026 honorees:

Spirit (ICON): Congressman James E. Clyburn – A pioneering civil rights leader and champion of federal support for cultural preservation nationwide.

Food: The Oxtail Collective, master agriculturalist Marion "Rollen" Chalmers, and Gullah culinary pioneer Charlotte Jenkins for elevating and preserving African Diaspora foodways.

Freedom: The Descendant Families of Dave the Potter, the Descendant Families of Oluale Kossola from The Clotilda, and Tamara Lanier for their landmark efforts in historic justice, truth, and restitution.

(📸: Katrina S Crawford Photography)

10/16/2026

What if someone helped shape the Civil Rights Movement, advised Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., broke business barriers, and played a crucial role in international diplomacy...yet their name was largely lost to history?

Join the International African American Museum's Center for Family History (CFH) for an online podcast deep-dive into the remarkable, untold life of Cirilo McSween — an Afro-Latino entrepreneur, civil rights leader, and confidant to Dr. King.

As part of CFH's Untold African American Stories podast, they will be sitting down with documentary producer Justin O Cooper to explore the making of "CIRILO: A Legacy Untold" and the archival detective work required to bring extraordinary Black histories back into the light.

📅 Saturday, October 17 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
🔗 Learn more: https://iaamuseum.org/event/the-man-who-advised-dr-king-cirilo-mcsweens-untold-story-cfh-podcast/

10/16/2026

Come home to the culture! 🏛️🖤✨

As part of IAAM Homecoming 2026, meet our Grand Marshals for IAAM's Homecoming on the Yard!🎉 Join us tomorrow at the International African American Museum for a FREE outdoor cultural celebration honoring our living traditions, community, and heritage.

GRAND MARSHALS:
• Chef Carla Hall — Renowned chef, author, and TV personality
• Joan Trumpauer Mulholland — Legendary Civil Rights activist and Freedom Rider
• Chef Kevin Mitchell — Chef, author, educator, and African American culinary historian

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Museum Access: FREE museum admission—including the newly opened "They Lived" exhibit (sponsored by Royal Missionary Baptist Church)!
• Live Performances and Showcases: Wona Womalan, Dr. Marlena Smalls, Tameka QueenSoFly, and a headlining concert by The Gullah Collective!
• Divine Nine and HBCU Roll Call: A special tribute to NPHC fraternities/sororities and HBCUs.
• Host and Sounds: Riecy G (Z93 Jamz) and DJ Norway (BlackPeopleLoveHouseMusic).

📅 Date: Saturday, October 17
⏰ Hours: Event runs 12PM to 5PM (Free museum entry available 10AM – 4PM)

Tag your friends, save this post, and meet us on the Yard! This is where you belong. More info at iaamuseum.org/homecoming.

10/16/2026

Legacy looks good on you! ✊🏿🖤✨
 
As part of IAAM Homecoming 2026, we are excited to launch our limited-edition IAAM Homecoming Collection—featuring exclusive apparel, curated bundles, and standout statement pieces.
 
🛍️ These exclusive items are available for purchase on-site within our IAAM Boutique.

Quantities are limited, so make sure to grab your favorite pieces while supplies last and represent homecoming pride in style!

10/15/2026

“History is simply not about what was...it is also about who lived their legacies and the humanity behind those images.”✊🏿

In celebration of IAAM Homecoming 2026, we are honored to officially open our new “They Lived” exhibit to the public tomorrow, October 16!

“They Lived” is a new exhibit at the International African American Museum that centers the lives of Alfred, Delia, Drana, Fassena, Jack, Jem, and Renty, seven enslaved people photographed in South Carolina in 1850 in order to support racist theories of human difference. Through thoughtful interpretation, immersive design, and a shielded presentation of the featured images, the exhibit prioritizes dignity, personhood, and reflection while inviting visitors to consider the lives that existed far beyond the images themselves.

⚠️ Important Note: To respect and honor these individuals, no photography will be allowed within the viewing area of the exhibit itself.

We invite you to experience this extraordinary journey with us. Plan your visit at iaamuseum.org.

10/15/2026

Join us this weekend for IAAM Homecoming 2026! Learn more at iaamuseum.org/homecoming.

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

NOTICE: The International African American Museum will have a delayed opening today, Thursday, October 15. We will open our doors to visitors at 12:00 PM. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you later today!

🏛️Plan your visit at iaamuseum.org.

10/14/2026

History is inherited. Legacy is what we choose to carry forward.✊🏿
 
Join us for our inaugural Legacy and Lineage Symposium as part of IAAM Homecoming 2026!
 
🗓️ Friday, October 16 , 12PM to 4PM at the Charleston Marriott
 
SWIPE ➡️ to check out our two panel lineup:
• The Pot Remembers: Chef Carla Hall and Chef Chaz Brown examine culinary heritage, storytelling, and freedom across the African Diaspora.

• Still Here: Live5 News’ Samantha German moderates a powerful session with Tamara Lanier, Yaba Baker, and Altevese Rosario-Jones on memory, ownership, and reclaiming descendant narratives. 
 
🎟️ Claim your tickets now and join us for an engaging afternoon, to include an exclusive VIP Meet and Greet + Book Signing, at iaamuseum.org/homecoming.