Climate change poses a major threat to Black museums, according to the Association of African American Museums (AAAM).
As per a press release, cultural institutions on the US coast face an uncertain future as the country copes with the impact of rapid climate change. Many AAAM member institutions have faced structural threats caused by climate change.
The impact of the climate crisis is often heightened for museums that protect and preserve African and African American history and culture, AAAM said. This is due to older buildings, fewer financial resources, and smaller teams.
Vedet Coleman-Robinson, AAAM executive director, said: “Many African American-focused and African art museums were founded in the communities they serve.
“Several of them sit along the shores where enslaved Africans were brought to the United States hundreds of years ago, and they occupy the very grounds up and down the coast where people resisted inequality and fought for their freedom.
“Today, these histories are in danger of being washed away because some of these institutions lack the resources to proactively combat the effects of climate change.”
AAAM member Noelle Trent, president & CEO of the Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket, said she is “looking for these buildings to exist in another hundred years, so the decisions that I make today will impact what the buildings are tomorrow”.
“We’re part of the city landscape, so it is incredibly important people view it through that lens. Mitigation measures are investments in the survivability of the community,” said Trent.
Chanel Compton, executive director of Maryland’s Banneker-Douglass Museum, said: “If it weren’t for AAAM, I question what the state of African American museums would be.”
AAAM members need funding
She added: “The network is strong, the leadership is strong and the resources they provide are incredible. AAAM advocates for African American museums, and they are more than equipped to be the voice when it comes to climate change and its impact on African American museums.”
AAAM members are hoping for funding as they face flooding, storms and other weather events as a result of climate change.
“As the race to slow climate change becomes even more dire, AAAM continues to ensure its members remain resilient and nimble,” said Coleman-Robinson.
Located in Washington, DC, the Association of African American Museums is a non-profit member organisation established to support museums focusing on African and African American art, history and culture.
