Muskegon County Museum

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Open Tue. - Sat. 2pm - 5:30pm

Story

History of the Dr. James Jackson Museum of African American History:

In the year of 2005, the idea of an African American museum began with a simple suggestion made by Mr. Roy Robinson to Dr. James Jackson concerning the importance of having such a historical site in the city of Muskegon Heights. He caught the vision and proceeded with caution. Supported by a group of visionary leaders, namely Ms. Lois Williams (Vice President), Ms. Betty Warfield (Secretary), Ms. Susie Johnson (Assistant Secretary), Mr. John Covington (Moderator), Dr. Willi Burrel (Treasure), and Dr. James Jackson, (DO. President).

Our first meeting was held at the Bethesda Baptist Church, 575 Getty St. Muskegon, Michigan 49442. The following meetings were held at the Medical Office of Dr. James Jackson, 2416 peck St., Muskegon Heights, Michigan 49444, on Wednesday of each week.

The group began by addressing some of the issues of violence in the black community, in the home, school, and streets. We had many speakers and were honored to also have the Reverend Charles Pool of Bethesda Baptist Church. The conference was held at the Lewis Mc Murray Center in Muskegon Heights. The main speakers were the Honorable Judge Ben Logan of Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Honorable Judge Gregory Pittman of Muskegon, Michigan. Many interesting comments were shared by the Muskegon Heights School Board and the community at large.

The attendance for the conference was overwhelming, but failed to empower a positive interest in the community. The group later sponsored another conference in regards to the Disappearance of the Black Male in the African American community, that attendance was excellent as well; however, the resulting community response was poor also.

In the year of 2006, the original trustee’s board added a new member to its working staff; thus, becoming an integral part of the working process in making the dream a reality.

Namely, Mr. Marian Frantz, whose profession is auditing business accounts, Ms Edith Nelson with human creativity skills and experience, Ms. Darlene Johnson, as the volunteer coordinator and Ms. Gretchen Vanlente as the educational department coordinator.

Great and historical traditions often start with a single idea, a thought and others who have a strong sense of commitment. Needless to say, this or such was the case with the birthing of the African American Museum of Muskegon County.

Our goal is to promote a positive image of African/ African American history through their communicative works and a committed group working together. The museum is made up of a dedicated team of researchers, writers, designers, artists, volunteers and many other community volunteer responses, highlighting and profiling the famous Historical cultural and less celebrated African American History in the parade of black heroes in America.

The Museum is designed to educate and enrich people through different kinds of exhibits, images, plans, films, and simple talents we are able to bring forward. It can factually be said, as for achievement, involvement, and many other successful struggles that there is no other group of human beings who have contributed so much to America’s past and present history the African Americans.

It is interesting to know that all over the world educators and historians are recognizing and becoming more and more knowledgeable of African and African American History.

On December 26, 2006 the doors of the Muskegon County Museum of African American History proudly opened its doors to the public. The dream has come to pass, thanks to a group of visionary leaders and our executive director, Dr. James Jackson. The museum’s new address is 7 E. Center Street, Muskegon Heights, Michigan 49444.

Submitted by Dr. Willi B. Burrell

Mission

The Dr. James Jackson Museum of African American History has a mission to provide a forum for urban/community pride while educating the public about African and African American history and culture from African origins to the present and future generations through the collection, preservation and interpretation of material evidencing the African and African American experience.

Our Museum intends not to be just a museum where people come to view exhibits. This museum is an educational institution that would not only bring Black history to life, but also become a source of pride to the community. It is a place where African Americans can learn how to appreciate with swelling pride their ancestor’s creativity and contribution to the making of America from the beginning.

The museum is also a place where children can very easily develop and acquire that same thirst for knowledge and creativity that had mobilized their ancestors so many, many years ago. The museum provides the keys to unlocking the doors to the silent, forgotten and hidden history of African Americans…..

The museum’s overreaching goal is to remove the ghost from the American history, by illuminating the invaluable contributions of African/ African Americans throughout America’s history. It is imperative that children of African and African American decent shed their cloaks of negative invisibility for those of positive prominence.