Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
A great place to start exploring black history in the area is the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. This museum features exhibits honoring the local black community. The collection features a gift shop with a wide selection of black items. The museum’s extensive educational exhibits are a must-see! You can even take your children along with you! If you’re traveling through the area, make sure to visit the Grand River Cultural Center. Visit it now at 87 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
GRAAMA is the brainchild of George Bayard, the founder of the museum. He and his wife Deb Bayard founded the first art gallery in Grand Rapids dedicated to artists of color in 1989. The beginnings of this collection grew from there as George and Deb continued to exhibit works in other venues around the city. By the time the GRAAMA was opened, George and Deb Bayard had amassed hundreds of items and a permanent collection to share with the community.
Currently, the Grand Michigan African American Museum & Archives offers four exhibitions and events for visitors. The exhibits include artwork by local and regional artists. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. The city has a vibrant history, including Fountain Street Church and Crescent Park. The former was a site of protests and a site of civil rights leaders, such as U.S. Representative John Lewis and Langston Hughes. The latter, named Lyman Parks, served as Grand’s first African American mayor.
The GRAAMA spoke project was started in 2014 and managed by the museum director George Bayard. This project records oral histories of African Americans living in the city. Participants range from grandmothers to a Negro League baseball player. The project extends the griot and oral storytelling tradition of West Africa. For more information, visit the GRAAMA website. Donate today to support the arts and preserve the history of the community.
The GRAAMA is an exhibit space in downtown Grand Rapids that highlights the culture and history of African Americans in the city. It includes a large collection of art and artifacts from the past 30 years of African American culture in Grand. The museum also hosts special events during Black History Month. It is a unique place to explore history and learn about the area’s residents. A visit to GRAAMA is the perfect way to celebrate the city’s diverse ethnicity.
The GRAAMA is a unique space in downtown Grand. Its mission is to preserve, promote and honor the lives of African people. In addition to preserving and displaying history, the museum also showcases the art and culture of artists of African descent. There is an exhibition hall and an exhibition gallery. It is a place where you can learn about the history of this community. In addition to learning about its culture and history, the GRAAMA has many interactive displays that help visitors learn about its community.
