WHAT IS THIS EXHIBIT?

The exhibit is entitled “Woman of Color”, and it takes visitors on a journey through the experience of African-American Women.  Artifacts in the collection range from the many great civilizations in Africa, through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Slaver, The Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights / Power movement, through the modern day.  The collection celebrates and highlights contributions of African-American Women in the arts, sciences, sports, entertainment, education and politics.  The Museum was established to preserve the history of African-American people and to educate others of the many great contributions that African-Americans have made to humanity.

WHY IS THIS EXPERIENCE IS IMPORTANT?

It’s important because too few Americans have been exposed to Black history as told by Black narrators. As a result, many people in the U.S., of all races, have been uninformed or misinformed about the accomplishments of African-American.  In addition, more people need to be educated on the breadth of the true African-American experience, to dispel stereotypes and address prejudices.  We want to ensure that Black History is never undervalued or marginalized.  We are committed to informing as many people as we can of the history that tends to not be covered, or not covered substantially, in U.S. history books. Through this work we hope to improve the self-esteem and pride of Black visitors to the TBHM.  Equally important, we want to increase knowledge, awareness, respect, cultural sensitivity and understanding for the historic experience of Black people.

Contact ecarkuff@memphis.edu for more information.

Fred J. Saffold III is the Founder of The True Black History Museum – A traveling Black History exhibit with artifacts dating from the late 1600’s to the 21st century. The Museum, which was founded in 2010, was established to preserve the history of African-American people and to educate others of the many great contributions that African-Americans have made to humanity. The mission is to instill self-esteem and pride, and to increase knowledge, awareness, cultural sensitivity and understanding for the historic experience of African-Americans.

Mr. Saffold is a member of numerous local and national civic organizations, including the NAACP and the Urban League. He is a board member of the Michigan Chapter of Negro League Players, and an Advisory Board member of the ACLU of Michigan. He currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Wayne County Community College (Detroit, MI). Mr. Saffold lectures nationally on issues of Black History and Racial Justice. He is married with three adult children and resides in Metro Detroit