ABHM Announces Over $477,000 Raised to Complete Initial Development

By Nancy Ketchman, Development Consultant, Dr. James Cameron Legacy Foundation

Philanthropist and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele (l) presents ABHM Board President Ralph Hollmon (r) with Cameron Day Declaration. Dr. Cameron’s son Virgil stands behind and between the two; daughter Delores, in white, stands next to Hollman.

A personal challenge grant issued last winter by philanthropist and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele helped to raise more than $477,000 for America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) at 401 W. North Avenue in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville African American Cultural and Entertainment District. At the campaign launch, Abele pledged to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.

The challenge match was part of a $400,000 goal to complete the initial development funding for the museum’s $1.5 million construction and opening exhibits. The campaign exceeded this goal by $77,000, with 90% of donations coming from new donors. The museum is currently fundraising to develop and sustain operations and programming.

“With the reopening of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, we open up opportunities for residents and visitors to walk through the history of race relations in this country and better understand how the harmful legacy of slavery still directly ties into the racial disparities prevalent today,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “Race is not an issue we can afford to ignore right now, and I want to thank everyone who joined me in donating to this worthwhile cause and making this a reality. Only together can we learn from our history, and build a future where every resident in every neighborhood benefits.”

Individuals, foundations, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community groups helped fundraise to support Abele’s match. More than $100,000 was raised by the museum’s Inaugural Legacy Circle, whose members comprise several of Milwaukee’s African-American community leaders: Stephen P. Adams and Thelma A. Sias, Jackie and Michael Barber, Cecelia Gore and Randy Bryant, Drs. Minnie and LaRoyce Chambers, John Daniels and Valerie Daniels Carter Charitable Trust, Charles and Cheryl Harvey, George and Michelle Ford Hinton, Ralph and Margaret Hollmon, Cory and Michelle Nettles, Larry and Adrienne Waters, and Lisa and Greg Wesley.

Head Griot Reggie Jackson gives Abele and members of the press a tour of ABHM’s galleries under construction on February 25, 2019.

“The museum closing in 2008 was a huge loss for our total community,” said Jackie Barber. “So when my husband Michael and I had the opportunity to join with other African American community leaders to support its reopening, we did not hesitate. Milwaukee and the nation need an institution that helps to educate everyone, especially our youth, on the history of race relations in America.”

Abele’s challenge culminated on what would have been the 105th birthday of museum founder Dr. James Cameron, who passed away in 2006 at age 92. As Milwaukee County Executive, Chris Abele issued a Proclamation designating February 25, 2019 “Dr. James Cameron Day” throughout Milwaukee County.

Read and download full press release here: ABHM 100K Press Release 07.24.19