Harvey B. Gantt Center to Host Award-Winning Exhibition - America I AM: The African American Imprint

America I AM: The African American Imprint is an exhibition of pivotal moments that celebrates the imprint of African-Americans on our nation. Visitors can explore 200 rare historic objects, documents, photographs and multimedia and learn how African-Americans have contributed to and shaped American culture. It will run from June 30, 2012 through January 1, 2013. End Quote

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC (1888PressRelease) April 23, 2012 - Harvey B. Gantt Center to Host Award-Winning Exhibition - America I AM: The African American Imprint

(Charlotte, April 17, 2012) - America I AM: The African American Imprint, an award-winning touring exhibition conceived of and presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley, will open at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture on June 30, 2012. With more than 200 artifacts, the exhibition celebrates nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to the history and culture of the United States. The exhibition will run from June 30, 2012 through January 1, 2013. Charlotte is the 8th city on its 10-city tour and the Harvey B. Gantt Center will be the exhibition's last venue in the Southeast region. Through 12 galleries, this ticketed exhibition offers an in-depth look at the pivotal role African-Americans have played and continue to play in the development of America.

"America I AM: The African American Imprint encourages all people to connect in a meaningful way with the foundations of democracy, cultural diversity, exploration, and free enterprise, which began when the first Africans arrived in Jamestown," said presenter Tavis Smiley. "By telling the stories of the events of the past, we can help the leaders of the future set the stage for active participation in the democratic process for years to come."

"We are pleased to host this exhibition which highlights the contributions of African-Americans to the US," said David Taylor, the Harvey B. Gantt Center's President & CEO. "We are also extremely excited and honored that the Harvey B. Gantt Center is the only African-American cultural center to host the exhibition and that we will host its last stop in the Southeast region. Because of this, we anticipate visitors from Virginia, North and South Carolina, Western Tennessee and even those who missed it in Georgia. Our hope is that visitors leave with a richer understanding of the diverse culture and history of the United States."

The 12 featured galleries are "Our History," "Rooted in Africa," "Our Foundation," "The Measure of Justice," "The Soul of Freedom," "The Voice of Equality," "Invincible," "Spirit," "Patriotic," "The Conscience of a Nation," "The World" and "What's Your Imprint?"

Filled with poignant artifacts showcasing nearly 500 years of history, America I AM: The African American Imprint celebrates the imprint African-Americans have had on the United States. Visitors will walk past the "Doors of No Return" and view personal artifacts and innovations from African-American artists, activists and inventors. They will see objects ranging from shackles used in the slave trade to abolitionist material and the poetry of Langston Hughes. Personal items from contemporary African-American figures such as NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan and Prince will be on display.

Exhibition highlights include:
• The typewriter Alex Haley used to write the groundbreaking book, Roots
• Items from icons like Michael Jackson, Hendrix, Michael Jordan and Tupac
• Objects representing heroic African-American troops
• Malcolm X's journal and personal Quran
• The door key and stool from Dr. Martin Luther King's jail cell
• Frederick Douglass' Frock Coat and Shirt
• Muhammad Ali's robe

America I AM: The African American Imprint is developed in partnership with Tavis Smiley, and is organized by the Cincinnati Museum Center, and by Arts & Exhibitions International (AEI), a division of AEG Live.

America I AM: The African American Imprint is made possible by Walmart Stores, Inc., which serves as its presenting sponsor. The exhibition's educational partner is Northern Trust. Microsoft is the technology partner for the tour.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Holm
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
704-547-3767 (office)
704-241-9172 (cell)
sharon ( @ ) ganttcenter dot org

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