Discover A Different World



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Main Entrance


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. Apersistent 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.

Located on the left side of the south corridor. Exhibits depict the creative scope of Dr. Carver spanning science and art forms. The essence of Dr. Carver’s genius as symbolizing this
creative bridge is captured in the mural by noted muralist, Wes Hardin. One section of the
gallery focuses on the scientific achievements and contributions of Dr. Carver. The second
section portrays his talents in varied visual art forms and in music. The Gallery of Black Scientists, Inventors & Explorers Occupying the central museum area, these exhibits demonstrate the phenomenal impact of blacks upon American and internationa industrial development, health, and prosperity. It also provides a dramatic testimonial to the historical exclusion of major contributions by black scientists and inventors. The following exhibits will be featured:


• Exhibit A: Early inventions related to the industrial progress and economic prosperity of
   the 19th   and 20th centuries
• Exhibit B: Other areas of innovations and explorations
• Exhibit C: Major scientific discoveries and contributions

The scientific innovations of these scientists have impacted the health and economic welfare of generations of Americans. Ironically, blacks have benefited the least from these contributions and acknowledgement is long overdue. The Galleryof Heroes Located in the west section of the museum, this exhibit features the historic
achievements of black Americans in U.S. military events and in promoting social progress. Non-black partners in social struggles are an exhibit focus in this gallery. The exhibits will include the following

• Exhibit AA: Shows military participation from the Pre- Revolutionary War Period to
   Vietnam
• Exhibit BB: Social progress contributions of African Americans from the Enslavement
  Era to the Civil Rights Movement
• Exhibit CC: Contributions of non-black partners in
  social progress struggles



 

“There are a people, now forgotten, who discovered while others were yet barbarians, the elements of the arts and sciences. A race of men, now ejected from society for their sable skin and frizzled hair, founded on the study of the laws of nature, those civil and religious systems which still govern the universe.” (Count Constantine de Volney, a French historian, in his book, The Ruins of Empires, describing his journeys in Egypt in 1883-85) In the eighth century B.C.E., Homer, in The Illiad, referred to Zeus and all of the Greek gods as traveling to Africa to “feast with Ethiop’s faultless men.” “Almost all the names of the gods came into Greece from Egypt. The Egyptians were the first to introduce solemn assemblies, processions, and litanies to the gods, all of which the Greeks were taught to use.”
(Herodotus, the noted historian, in the twelfth century)