(Photo/bdmuseum.maryland.gov)
By J.K. Schmid, Special to the AFRO
The Banneker-Douglass Museum (BDM), Maryland’s official museum of African-American heritage, reopened Sept.18.
The festivities at the grand reopening included live music from the Legendary Future Band and a sampling of services and wares from some of Annapolis’ Black-owned businesses.
The museum also opened with a new exhibit titled “Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake.”
According to the website “This powerful exhibit tells nine stories of resistance to bondage and servitude in the Chesapeake Region from the Colonial Period to the American Civil War (1728-1864). The Banneker-Douglass Museum invites visitors to consider what resistance and freedom look like in the present day.”
Honorees at the event included Tarence Bailey Sr., the five-times great nephew of Frederick Douglass and founder of “Operation Frederick Douglass.” Bailey received The Legacy Award.
Carl Snowden, civil rights activist and founder of the Caucus of African American Leaders of Anne Arundel County, was awarded the Activist Award.
Phyllis “Tee” Adams, organizer of the Annapolis inaugural 2021 Juneteenth Festival and Parade, received the Heritage Award.
Nas Afi, president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Annapolis Alumnae Chapter, received the Stewardship Award.
Jan Lee, chair of the Kunta Kinte Celebration Festival Planning Committee, received the Trailblazer Award.
“Freedom Bound” is slated to run until March 1, 2022.
The Banneker-Douglass Museum is located at 84 Franklin St. and is free to the public.
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