Traveling museum at USI explores triumphs and struggles in Black American history – 14 News WFIE Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – An exhibit exploring Black history and culture made a stop at the University of Southern Indiana on Tuesday.
Organizers of the “True Black Museum” say they aim to educate and inspire.
They tell us this immersive experience offers a comprehensive look at the Black experience in America, from the struggles of the past to the triumphs of the present.
Students, faculty, and community members alike flocked to the University Center, drawn by the presence of the museum.
The traveling exhibit showcases centuries of achievements, resilience and the enduring spirit of Black Americans.
The exhibit features a wide range of items, from historical documents and photographs that capture pivotal moments in history, to personal artifacts that offer glimpses into the lives of ordinary people who shaped extraordinary change.
There’s also interactive displays which allow visitors to connect with the material on a deeper level.
“To know about the leaders of the past and know that I could be apart of black history in the future,” says USI student Jo Duglas.
The museum’s organizers say their goal is to make history accessible and engaging, particularly for young people who may not always have the opportunity to experience history in such a tangible way.
“There was a QR code on one of the sections, it said ‘scan to see if the Jim Crow laws apply to you.’ In my school, we never really learned much about what Hispanic people went through during that time,” said another student, Natalia Duron. “It was more focused on African Americans and White people. And I am Hispanic, so I thought it was interesting to scan that and go through those laws to see if they would have applied to me.”
Organizers say they hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the contributions of Black Americans to American society.
“You know knowledge is being banned. A place where you can get first hand accounts is always something important,” says community member Victor Bristol. “You know reading and learning from first hand accounts will never go out of style.”
Students echoed sentiment, emphasizing the importance of learning about the past, not just to understand history, but to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.
“It’s a time not only do the non-Black people understand more about us, but also learn more about us and what happened with our people back in the history, that makes us who we are today,” explains student Lydia Simon.
The museum also showcases the diversity of the Black experience through art, music, literature and other forms of cultural expression.

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