“Sweet Auburn Avenue” in the 1950’s

Present day Auburn Avenue

When I first entered the APEX museum, I was prepared for an explicit, uncensored view based upon the notorious gruesome struggles and hard ships that African-Americans have faced. However, upon visiting the first exhibit I experienced a sense of amazement, inspiration, and appreciation toward the many black figures who have shaped the blessed lives of future generations; myself included. As I sat down in the replica of an old street trolley, I received a vicarious view of old Auburn Avenue and felt reminiscent of a time before me. My awareness of the fact that the APEX is placed in a historical area peaked my interest and created a moment of both wonder and reverence.

Beyonce Concert: List of African Americans killed as a result of police brutality

The videos that I watched in this space made me feel like I was there, and I realized that I was virtually in the exact same place that “there” once was. I viewed depictions of the segregated 1950’s through a projector, and understood that this was during my grandparents time and very close to my mother’s. Still situated on the trolley, I compared the past to the present. I thought to myself that I couldn’t imagine living in a time of such hatred and came to the revelation that despite the obstacles we have all overcome, it is not yet over.  I remembered the picture that circulated earlier this year of Beyonce’s concert with the names of all of the black men and women who have been killed as a result of police brutality in just one year. This evoked feelings of sadness and disgust; black leaders both men and women worked tirelessly to rise above their circumstances and we seem to be back pedaling. However, I also thought about how great it is to live in a country and go to a school that I feel is full of diversity.

Cheerful dance in barbershop

Thoughts that the barbershop scene evoked- motown era music

It was very serene to be alone in the room with no one else but two staff members in the entire museum. I was able to be at peace with my thoughts and have a quiet area to indulge in my own observations. Taking the time to process all of the history and information was very intriguing. In the same room was a model of an old black owned barbershop and I appreciated the cheerful scene of a man and woman dancing, while another gentleman played the piano. This conveyed that happiness can derive from several sources, despite contrasting conditions. I was curious as to what they may have been listening to for such a mood to be created. Several artists of the Motown era came to mind: Marvin Gaye, The Marvalettes, Gladys Knight. I also thought of The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Dream Girls, and the Five Heartbeats ; though I wasn’t exactly sure if they were during same time period. I reminisced watching biographic movies about many of these legends thousands of times because I loved the subject matter of such films.

1930’s Marching Band

Phone Invention

When I entered a second exhibit, there were pictures of different historical moments and figures. An image of a marching band from the 1930’s and a dance team at Spellman college fascinated me as I noticed the similarities in culture (clothing, art, dance) from past to present, communicating the strength of tradition. Upon further exploration, I came across a hallway full of various different patents, inventions, and inventors. All of my attention was absorbed into the information and I realized how fortunate I am to take advantage of the seemingly miniscule items mentioned. A remote control, a comb, a life jacket, a phone, even a stoplight. We never really think of how much our daily lives are impacted as a result of these black inventors. I thought about racist and radical movements and groups that still exist today and wondered if they knew the positive influence that African-Americans have on the world. It truly made me appreciate the hard work that shaped so many aspects of my life that I am able to take for granted.

Mailbox

One item here that really stood out to me was a black mailbox with a sign that read “Open to see the next great inventor.” Once opened, there was a mirror inside and I admired the meaningful context of encouragement, despite the lack thereof that once existed. It felt good to know that attitude and hard work are effective methods that contribute to success and I felt inspired by the optimism.

Viewing both the slave ship and the final exhibit of the timeline intermittently, I found myself wondering how it was possible that either could correlate. How could the citizens ruled by Black Kings and Queens of the beautiful country of Africa become slaves hundreds of years later? It just doesn’t seem to match and it amazes me that the most prominent and respected characteristics of one culture, (dark skin, tooth gaps, big lips) are so hated by another. The fact that slaves were shackled laying down with less room than the cargo below is shameful. Seeing this particular area of the museum also made me think of the movie Blood Diamond. It’s set in Africa where young teenagers are raised and brainwashed to become soldiers who savagely kill the people in their own country and enslave them to dig for one of Africa’s most precious resources. I find it sad how we can turn the most beautiful people, regions, and objects ugly based upon greed and carelessness alone. I think again about how lucky I am to live in this time and place where opportunities are placed right in front of me, despite the days that I don’t feel like waking up and getting out of bed to start my day. After leaving here, I really appreciated all that I have and realized how ungrateful we all are at times. This museum evoked many sporadic opinions, thoughts, feelings, and emotions of amazement, anger, nostalgia, sadness, happiness; everything. It was a great experience and I received a great deal of information from it.

Shackled Slaves

Timeline