Kristen Cheser
Staff Writer
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum, an award winning mobile museum with over 7,000 artifacts, is travelling to and presenting at the University of Wyoming for Black History Month.
“The study of Black history is the study of humanity. If we understand that all humans have roots on the continent of Africa, then we should be intentional in being inclusive [and] sharing diverse narratives of the human experience,” said Khalid el-Hakim, the founder and CEO of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum.
Starting today at 8 a.m., el-Hakim will be presenting the Black History 101 Mobile Museum until 2:30 p.m. in the Breezeway of the Wyoming Union. All events are free and open to the public.
“The idea came from my experience at the Million Man March in 1995. Prior to this historic March, it was simply a private collection of artifacts that was housed primarily in my house,” el-Hakim said. “I shared some things with my middle school students in Detroit. But, after attending the MMM, I decided I would share my collection in public spaces to provide access to material that would not otherwise be seen outside of a museum.”
el-Hakim’s mobile museum has travelled to 500 organizations in 40 different states after starting in Detroit, Michigan.
“I encourage everyone to visit. There is truly something for everyone. No matter what your knowledge base is you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of Black history and culture through a hip hop lens,” el-Hakim said.
On Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will also be a conference hosted by UW studying the Narrative of Black Women in America.
“Black studies goes back to 1969,” said Ulrich Adelt, director of African American and Diaspora Studies at UW. “It’s the history of reclaiming and of black power.”
Adelt said last year marked the first year of an unprecedented amount of Black History celebration that he said he hopes to continue this year. This year’s events focus on the history of black women.
The conference will be at the COE in room 506 and lunch will be provided.
