Museum Reviews
First, may I address 400 years ago African Americans sold fellow African Americans into slavery. All "black" people are not African American. I am a dark brown Cherokee and Choctaw Indian who society tries to box me as an African American or Black. Biblically, the slaves are not primarily from Africa that were in Egypt. Egypt is a continuation of Africa. The slaves 400 years ago were Hebrew, Jewish, Ethiopian, Israelites and other nationalities as well. From my experience, this museum has a depressing spirit, place was very dark and stirs the pot of racism amongst "black versus white". I was expecting to see inventions, overcomers and biblical spiritualism of how racism is becoming extinct and uniting of the human race. Who wants a constant reminder of what we think poor slaves endured? There is a 200Ib bag of cotton and artificial cotton field displayed. There is no such thing as black and white! We are one human race! One nation under God! Everyone of us God in Heaven created as one brown color just different shades of brown. When the human race bleeds our blood is the same red! If racism (hate) is going to constantly be a topic between nations at least follow up with what is happening to end racism and slavery to encourage togetherness and unity. Apart we're divided, together we as the human race are strong! FYI: Pro Blacks, first let's end killing each other before we march or begin a movement. Lighter brown people "white" are not responsible for racism, slavery, injustice etcetera. No human being is. What we all allow the devil to do through us causes biases, hate, inequality, prejudice, unfairness and etceteras of evil. The devil don't care about nothing or nobody black, brown, white or blue! This place should be about diverse History not just "black". I put black in quotes because brown is not the color of tar which is black. Have we seen a person white as snow to be called white? From my visit experience, the energy in this place comes off as no other people besides "blacks" are welcome. I was very offended as a dark brown person touring this museum. My grandmother as a Brown Cherokee Indian "black" was the First Lady Barber & Stylist of Easter Little Rock Arkansas and was removed from this African American Museum. According to this this museum, my grandmother is "black" history. Let's let racism die!
Outstanding introduction into the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, by Carolin. She was poised, articulate, and ready to do her job. I really liked the educational spirit about her. We had such a good time moving through the center, learning about notable figures within and from Arkansas. I didn’t realize there was so much history here in this state. We don’t really think about Arkansas because we are not from here and because the state is not known for major attractions. I even went all the way up to the 3rd floor. I really enjoyed myself learning and seeing the artifacts.
Beautiful museum in the heart of the historic 9th Street. The team is passionate, professional and kind! Highly recommend!
A "must-see" cultural center for all!!! Fantastic exhibits!!!Displays on every aspect of life in Arkansas relevant to all people - especially African Americans! Children's area is small but lots to do!
What a beautiful presentation of Little Rock's history of Black people and how they overcame similar atrocities as other states in this country.
One of the best, if not the best exhibit I've seen on African American history. What an absolute honor and privilege it was to not only talk to the friendly & welcoming museum curator, but also to witness the heartbreaking & inspirational stories of black people in America fighting for their right to be treated with equality & dignity. Tragic were the stories of slaves, sharecroppers, tenant farmers, lynching victims and convicts subject to draconian "convict leasing" programs until as late as the 1980s! It really gives a sense of how anti-blackness still permeates the fabric of American society, and how much progress is still needed. Inspiring were the stories of Daisy Bates & "The Little Rock Nine", and the countless award-winning musicians, artists and novelists from Arkansas, some of whom are still making art to this day! I learned so much that wasn't highlighted enough in my Coloradan education in the 2000s. It's amazing too that this museum was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 2005. I hope it remains as a sobering reminder of our past and a shining bastion of the strength & spirit of African American culture for the next 100 years at least.
I was greeted warmly and personally. I saw a lot of interactive exhibits that focused on Arkansas history, music and civil rights. I especially liked the recipes which showed the local food traditions. I bought an interesting book in the gift shop.
This is a very historic museum filled with many very interesting things. It's beautiful inside, and is a great place to check out if you haven't. There is no charge, and the workers are all real friendly too.
