November 6, 2024

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

A $25,000 grant from the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) was awarded to the university’s National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African American Culture (National Center).

Dr. Janice Franklin of Alabama State University, dean of the Levi Watkins Learning Center and project director of the National Center, explained that the grant came from a cooperative agreement that AAAM entered into with the African American Network of Civil Rights (AACRN) of the National Park Service.

“We would like to thank the African American Museum Association for this prestigious grant. With this grant, we will be able to continue our efforts to preserve and improve access to our growing visual arts collections,” Franklin said.

Raegan C. Stearns of the Levi Watkins Learning Center is the principal investigator on the proposal. “The program that awarded the grant to ASU also awarded funds to a total of 20 projects nationwide,” Stearns said.

Dr. Vedet Coleman Robinson, president and CEO of the African American Museum Association, believes these projects illustrate a commitment to advancing the narrative of African American contributions to the civil rights and social justice movements.

“We are excited to support these impactful initiatives that amplify the voices and experiences of African Americans in the fight for equality,” Robinson said. “Through this grant program, we aim to empower organizations to continue their vital work of preserving and sharing the rich history of the African American community. »

ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

The African American Museum Association is a national organization dedicated to supporting African American cultural institutions, museums, and professionals through leadership, advocacy, and networking. Its mission is to advance the preservation and interpretation of African American culture and history.

INFORMATION ON THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS NETWORK

The African American Civil Rights Network is a national initiative managed by the National Park Service to recognize important places, stories, and individuals who helped shape the civil rights movement in the United States. The network provides support and funding to organizations working to preserve these important sites and stories.