America I AM…An Outstanding Exhibition!!

Yesterday, my oldest son and I had the pleasure of meeting up with some fellow Mom bloggers at the America I AM touring exhibition at the Civic Center here in Atlanta, Ga!

I was honored that I was chosen as one of the Mom bloggers to visit this amazing exhibition which celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to this country. It is a presentation of pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity that celebrate the undeniable imprint of African Americans across the nation and around the world.

The exhibition is presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley who says, “From the arrival of the first Africans in Jamestown, to the election of President Barack Obama, America I AM: explores and celebrates the trials and triumphs that illustrate the unique journey of African Americans. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse contributions that African Americans have made to the American mosaic while underscoring that each of us as human beings can leave an imprint.”

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My son and I were deeply moved as we slowly walked through each gallery, taking in history lessons (new and old) that will remain with us for the rest of our lives, giving us an even greater appreciation for the struggles of our people. My son made several comments along the way and then at times was just speechless because he couldn’t find the words in that moment. I do remember him saying that he felt sad but proud at the same time and that it was just kind of hard to explain his mixed emotions. I completely understood him, as I experienced my own set of mixed emotions. We had a wonderful conversation over dinner about the things we saw and experienced. This is an exhibit that I think all families should make it a priority to attend, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved to explore this part of American history. My husband and I will be taking the whole family to see it before the doors close which will be, Sept. 6, 2009. Make sure and visit and leave me a comment telling me all about your experience. If you’ve already had the opportunity to go feel free to share your experience as well!

There is so much to see as there are more than 200 artifacts such as, “the Doors of No Return” from the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, which enslaved Africans passed through to board ships to the “New World”, the typewriter Alex Haley used to write, Roots, Malcolm X’s personal journal and Koran, the door key and stool from the Birmingham jail cell that held Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he authored “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, sports memorabilia from Michael Jordan and Arthur Ashe and so much more. There is also an interactive area where visitors can leave their own video “imprints”, a collection that as the tour goes on will have the potential to become the largest recorded oral history project in U.S. history.

Walmart Stores, Inc. is the exhibits proud presenting sponsor and is offering discounted tickets (Adults $10, Kids $4) when purchased at Walmart sores throughout Georgia. If you are on Facebook or on twitter you can add Walmart America I AM as your friend to be updated with the latest news and info. on the exhibit: Facebook, Walmart Aia and Twitter, WalmartAIA. Also, when you arrive at the exhibit don’t forget to purchase an audio tour ($3) featuring commentary by Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West which is an excellent bonus to the tour.

I want to give a shout out to the other Mom bloggers who went, Renee (Cutie Booty Cakes), Talibah (WeParent), Lorraine (Ask Wifey), Christie (My Life…A Work In Progress), Brooke (Jewelry Rockstar) and Sandra (I’m The Mommy I’ll Blog If I Want To). It was great meeting you ladies!!!

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