A large mural of Dr. Carver’s “Gift of Economic Prosperity” by local artist, Keith Newby is featured.

Corridor Displays

Entering through the left corridor, a series of murals on the left wall portray ancient African influences and explore many concealed or distorted interpretations of historical events. The universal impact is portrayed and this theme continues on the rear corridor right wall.

The second section of the left corridor wall and corner area makes a dramatic shift from early Africa to the more recent Civil Rights Era. This feature is dictated by architectural remnants of a separate entrance and restrooms for black patrons in a historical confrontation with the South’s segregated past.

The doorway and rest room exhibit which now reflects the result of radical social and legal changes, is interpreted as a positive “Symbol of Social Progress.”

Right wall murals depict geographic dispersal of humans from Africa at different periods to other parts of the world. This also includes African explorations and the Moorish presence in Europe.

Africans have been commonly described as savages with no civilized achievements in spite of obvious evidence which contradicts this. Damaging stereotypes have resulted which persist and penalize. Unfortunately, these have often become a tragic self-fulfilling prophecy. This false accounting of history grew out of a need to justify enslaving other humans and to attempt to conceal the obvious contradictions between the enslavers actions and their religious claims.

It is important to emphasize that many European historians before this period did not hesitate to recognize the achievements and contributions of early African civilizations.

Please note that some areas relating to early history remain a source of contradiction among scholars. A persistent issue concerns the major racial identities of the early builders of  Egyptian civilization. Early references acknowledge them as predominantly black Africans. Physical remains, statues, paintings, etc. provide visible evidence that supports these references. Scientific and technological advances are continuing to validate this. Some historians, however, have attempted to assign a different racial dominance.

The search for much of ancient history and some more recent events is an ongoing adventure. Exciting new information is being discovered with science and new technology proving to be vital partners in unraveling the mysteries of the past. We invite you to observe and compare these findings with existing accounts. It can be a fascinating process of rediscovery in the saga of our common human experience.

It is hoped that the GWCIM experience creates an awareness of the urgent need to salvage the talents and potential of  black youth. Their gifts, as reflected by these selected examples of their cultural legacy, can serve us all. The premise of this institution is that the positive attributes and contributions of African related cultures and individuals must be revealed as boldly as the negative and destructive stereotypes that currently persist.

The G.W. Carver Gallery