Currents News Staff
It’s a celebration of 14 years in the making: America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee has finally reopened their doors to the public over the weekend.
Carole Cole was among the first visitors through the doors. She shared the historical moment with her 9-year-old daughter Devonn.
“This is a way that she’ll always be able to see it forever, you know, she’ll always be able to witness it, bring her children and their children,” Carole said.
This would have been the 108th birthday of the museum’s founder, Dr. James Cameron. As a teenager, he became the only known survivor of a lynching. He later went on to educate and inspire generations of others. His son Virgil was there to celebrate the re-opening.
“We did it and I thank you so much,” Virgil said.
First-day visitors, like Duane Kimmey, waited in line before finding themselves captivated by the powerful exhibit.
“It’s very important to know your history and where you came from, and how to move forward,” Duane said.
“I think the spirit of Dr. James Cameron, you can feel it throughout the entire museum,” said Andrea Bernstein.
The museum’s president Robert Davis reflected on both its past and its future.
“We’re finally here,” Robert said. “This day is here.”
The museum was only able to reopen its doors thanks to a 10-million dollar gift from an anonymous donor. That donation will also allow the museum to expand.