A new $5 million donation will help the Missouri History Museum collect and exhibit St. Louis’ African-American history. But not everyone trusts a large, mainstream institution to tell these stories.
While the History Museum thrives through such contributions and with Zoo-Museum District funding, the Griot Museum of Black History struggles to even pay its utility bills. In the weeks ahead, we’ll have a detailed report of this languishing establishment.
In this new “Cut & Paste” podcast, you’ll hear from Griot founder and director Lois Conley about the museum's African-American point of view, and how young people might help The Griot tell today’s rapidly unfolding history.
Here's some of what you’ll hear in this ‘Cut & Paste’ podcast:
- Griot Museum of Black History founder Lois Conley, on why it was important to depict a mutiny on a slave-ship’s deck by an escaped African man: “We’re not all docile.” Tweet #cutpastestl
- Ferguson activist Brittany Ferrell on why black people should tell their own stories: “… white folks have had their hands on African-American history and we’ve seen how they whitewash a lot of things.” Tweet #cutpastestl
- Melanie Adams of the Missouri History Museum about their search for things you might not think of in an historic display: "You could use something as easy as a suitcase from someone who moved" to represent African-American migration. Tweet #cutpastestl
Look for new "Cut & Paste" (#cutpastestl) podcasts every few weeks on our website. You can also view all previous podcasts, which focus on a diverse collection of visual and performing artists, and subscribe to “Cut & Paste” through this link.
Follow Willis and Nancy on Twitter: @WillisRArnold and @NancyFowlerSTL
Please help St. Louis Public Radio find artists to feature on "Cut & Paste." Tell us which artists and cultural themes deserve a closer look.
