A Private Collection of
Documents and Artifacts.

The Homage Exhibit  is an archival exhibit which collects, curates and creates learning opportunities around original African American historical and cultural artifacts. The exhibit displays select pieces from the private collection of Nia and Morris McAdoo, including works by artists Romare Bearden and Elizabeth Catlett alongside original documents from Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Ralph Bunche and more. 

Traveling through time guests will see African artwork by unnamed craftsmen moving through artifacts depicting the cruelty of American slavery and bondage in the US.  Items on display cover Slavery, Reconstruction,  Post-Reconstruction, The Civil Rights Era, Post-Civil Rights with a handful of select pieces focused on historical events post 1980.

Select Pieces from the Exhibit

1926 Dixie Labor Agency Ad Highlighting “Colored Help”.

Ralph Bunche, the 1st African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was involved in the formation and administration of the United Nations.

Rare deposition from a civil case regarding the beating of a slave.  The plaintiff in this case gave testimony that he never gave permission to the defendant to beat one of his slaves.

Paul Robeson and his accompanying pianist sign a program for there 1941 performance.

This type of mask is traditionally worn by women in the Sande society in Africa. The design shows their idea of beauty for women, as well as symbolizes a woman’s place in the society. 

This 1901 letter written and signed by Booker T. Washington from the Tuskeegee Institute in Alabama talks about issues concerning the Alabama legislature and their affect on Tuskeegee.