America I AM: The African American Imprint," an award-winning touring exhibition conceived and presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley, opens at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., this week. With more than 200 artifacts, the exhibition celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to the United States. The museum's presentation, opening Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, during Black History Month, and continuing through Sunday, May 1, 2011, is the fifth stop on the exhibition's 10-city, four-year tour."We are pleased to host this exhibition highlighting the contributions of African Americans and furthering a dialogue about our collective experience," said Susan Norton, director of the National Geographic Museum. "We look forward to sharing the stories — some familiar, some surprising — of the influential African Americans featured in the exhibition. Our hope is that visitors leave with a richer understanding of the diverse culture and history of the United States."
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" is developed in partnership with Tavis Smiley and is organized by Cincinnati Museum Center and Arts and Exhibitions International, a division of AEG Live.
The exhibition is made possible by presenting sponsor Walmart Stores Inc. Educational partner Northern Trust has provided free tickets and transportation to underserved school groups in the D.C. area one day a week for the first month of the exhibition. Local sponsors include GEICO; The Madison, the museum's Official Hotel Partner; and Amtrak.
"Walmart is proud to sponsor the 'America I AM' exhibition as the nation embarks upon its annual celebration of black culture and contributions in the United States," said Alex Barron, regional general manager, Mid Atlantic States, Walmart U.S. "To help give all families access to this rich collection of history and culture, we are making tickets available for purchase in select Washington, D.C., area stores."
"Northern Trust is proud to be the educational partner of this inspiring exhibition portraying some of the many significant contributions African Americans have made to our society," said Northern Trust Chairman and CEO Frederick H. Waddell. "We are deeply committed to promoting cultural understanding and inclusion among our employees, clients and the communities we serve. We hope many people in the Washington, D.C., area and around the world will experience 'America I AM' and its celebration of African American history and culture."
