Media Contact:
Wayne Coleman, Head Archivist
wcoleman@bcri.org
205-210-2070
Media Alert/Photo Opportunity
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to Host 2014 Association of
African American Museums Annual Conference, August 6-9, 2014
AUGUST 5, 2014
WHAT: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is this year’s host organization for the 36th annual
meeting of the Association of African American Museums. This year’s theme, “Partnerships and
Collaboration in the Digital Age” will broaden the scope of the digital age and its relevance to new
opportunities for museums and cultural institutions. In addition to four days of interactive workshops,
attendees will enjoy tours in three major civil rights cities, Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.
WHEN: August 6-9, 2014 (schedule enclosed)
WHERE: Sheraton Birmingham
WHY: The conference offers the opportunity to network with museum professionals, artists, exhibitors,
educators, and foundations with a plethora of activities from workshops, concurrent sessions, presentations,
and tours.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Thursday, August 7 at 12:30 pm at Sheraton: opening keynote address by Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Director of the
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (NMAFA). Dr. Cole was appointed Director of NMAFA in
March, 2009, but has worked with a number of Smithsonian programs since the mid-1980s. Through her work
as college president, university professor, her many published writings, speeches and extensive community
service she has consistently addressed the issue of inequality in all its forms.
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Page two AAAM Annual Conference
Friday, August 8 at 12;30 pm at Sheraton: Leonce (Lee) Hampton, Executive Director of the Amistad
Research
Center at Tulane University, will be the speaker. During his ten-year tenure, Hampton has collaborated with
the governing Board of Directors to ensure the highest possible content and quality of programs and services
at the nation’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive archives that chronicle the history of America’s ethnic
minorities.
Friday, August 8 at 6-9 pm at BCRI: House Party Reception: Friday at 6 pm at BCRI. Music, entertainment,
dance and food. Support by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
For more information about the conference and a detailed schedule of events, see attached or visit
www.blackmuseums.org.
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