Who We Are

Biographies:

Brad Pruitt, Interim Executive Director, began work on the museum’s reemergence in 2010, after initially being invited to work on a film exploring Dr. Cameron’s life a few years prior.

For the last decade, Brad (an award winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and director) has been working on the rebuilding of the museum. From early advocate to interim Executive Director, Brad served for an extended period as ABHM's Executive Consultant. He continues to work on varied projects and initiatives, from community relations and engagement to strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational and physical space development.

Mia Phifer is the Senior Education, Collections, & Outreach Coordinator at America’s Black Holocaust Museum. She is a trained Public Historian who earned her M.A. in History at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, along with certificates in Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management. Her expertise is in historical research & writing, collections management, curriculum development, advocacy, and educational programming. At ABHM, Mia designs and implements ABHM’s educational programs, manages the museum’s collections and archives, and initiates and sustains ongoing partnerships and collaborations locally and nationally.

Adamali De La Cruz is the Education and Griot Coordinator at America’s Black Holocaust Museum. She is a graduate of Marquette University's History department with a focus on medieval studies. She joined ABHM as a Griot/Center for Urban Research and Teaching Outreach (CURTO) Intern in 2022 and formally joined the ABHM Ed. Dept in 2023. As the Education and Griot Coordinator, Adamali has developed the Junior Griot Program for high school students, coordinates with volunteers, has assisted in formalizing the college internship program at ABHM, and writing of virtual exhibits and other public history projects that ABHM contributes to. In 2024, Adamali was also selected as a member of Made by Us’ Youth 250 Bureau as one of the 100 young adults being trained and activated to serve as a hotline of young advisors for historic institutions.

Dr. Robert S. Smith is the Harry G. John Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Urban Research, Teaching & Outreach at Marquette University. He serves as ABHM’s Resident Historian. His research and teaching interests include African American history, civil rights history, and exploring the intersections of race and law. Dr. Smith is the author of Black Liberation from Reconstruction to Black Lives Matter and Race, Labor & Civil Rights; Griggs v. Duke Power and the Struggle for Equal Employment Opportunity. Prior to joining Marquette University, Dr. Smith served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Inclusion & Engagement and Director of the Cultures & Communities Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. And, Rob is the proud father of Henderson Marcellus Smith.

Kim Eubanks, Human Resources & Volunteer Management Consultant

Kim has worked in the museum field for over 20 years and began volunteering her time and services with ABHM in the summer of 2019. In March of 2020, Kim was hired as the museum’s Human Resources and Volunteer Coordinator Consultant to lead ABHM’s planning, recruitment, training, management, and evaluation process for our volunteers, staff, and consultants.

Dr. Fran Kaplan is the Founder and Lead Trainer/Consultant for Nurtures LLC. Fran holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master of Social Work. She has spent fifty-five years working against poverty and for social justice and peace locally, nationally, and internationally. She founded ABHM's Virtual Museum and was part of the group of community volunteers who worked to rebirth the physical museum. Fran and Nurtures LLC continue to manage the America's Black Holocaust virtual Museum. Fran has served as an adult educator, social worker, community organizer, and executive, program, and training director in farmworker rights, women’s healthcare, child protection, parenting education, and public history. Dr. Kaplan and her work were commended in the 2017 U.S. Congressional Record and the National Association of Social Workers’ 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other honors.

Reggie Jackson volunteered as ABHM's Head Griot from 2003 to 2008 and was part of the group of community volunteers who worked to reestablish the physical museum. Reggie has been a much sought-after speaker, researcher, and writer for over a decade – regionally and nationally. His work helps institutions and individuals understand how our country’s racial hierarchy developed historically, its impact on our lives today, and how we can realize America’s promise for all citizens. Reggie shares seldom-told stories and facts about the experiences of African-Americans and other peoples of color past and present. His award-winning online column and other writing and speaking provide background on current racial issues to regional, national, and international media.