More On African American Museum Missouri

By Margaret Schmidt


The state of Missouri is the18th most populous state in the United States. The United States Census Bureau in 2015 estimated the total population in this state to be 6,083,672, with 84% of this population being whites. The black community constitute 11% of this population, putting them in the second position. The African American museum Missouri is perhaps an indication of roles played by these individuals in building the nation.

From the numbers, it is clear that the black community has greatly influenced the social, political and economic conditions of this state. African Americans contribute in numbers to the workforce of this country in different sectors. This improves the countries labor supply and their tax contributions have played a major role in facilitating development.

The first blacks to enter Missouri were brought by PhillippeFrancois Renault in 1719 to work as slaves in the mines. The king of France, Louis XV, then issued regulations that governed the treatment and conduct of black slaves famously known as the Black Code. The Spanish regime did not change these slavery rules which is among the things one gets to learn from taking a visit to the centers.

The Louisiana Purchase brought about new laws that allowed wrongfully enslaved persons to sue for their freedom. The freed African Americans were restricted from free travel and any form of gatherings because the whites feared that it would lead to rebellion by the blacks. At the end of it all, the blacks got their freedom and were finally able to live independently.

Missouri State has shown great admiration for these historic these heroes by creation of museums, sites and monuments in their honor. A good example is of Scott Joplins House State Historic Site, which was constructed at the former residence of Scott Joplin who was a pianist and composer. This place was made an official historic site by the State of Missouri in 1983.

Another major museum was founded in July 1943 by Franklin Roosevelt, in honor of George Washington Carver who was among the best inventors in the United States. Carver was born out of slave parents, and he resided at the present day location of George Washington Carver National Monument. In 1941, he was given the name Black Leonardo by the times magazine.

The Negro League Baseball Museum was privately founded in 1990 in order to preserve the Negro League Baseball history. It started from a single room to a gigantic930 m2 structure in Vine District, Kansas City. The biographical movie 42 by Harrison Ford was released in 2003 and the funds raised were to benefit this museum.

Missouri State also hosts the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, which was made in honor of Bruce Watkins, a former political activist who also doubled up as a social activist. He is the first black to join the Kansas City Council, an elected position. In 1966, he stood for the Kansas City Mayors position, a thing that had never been tried by any African American.

Development of such museums have played a major role in cohesion as the African Americans feel appreciated in a place that was once characterized by historical injustices and racism. Visiting such sites enables one to know the great achievements of the past black communities in Missouri.




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