With the Philadelphia Museum of Art within walking distance, other museums and exhibits in Philadelphia are often taken for granted by Penn students. Old City alone is home to more than a dozen museums and galleries, including the African American Museum -- a mere two blocks from the 8th St. subway station. Despite its convenient location and contemporary exhibits, the Museum is sadly overlooked by many Philadelphia residents. But according to Exhibition Director Richard Watson, without the museum, something would be missing from the history of African Americans here in Philadelphia.
The first of the four galleries is pulls visitors around one large mural of early African civilization. Also, written on the colorful walls is a brief history of these civilizations and their cultural significance. So, even if you only have time to see this gallery because your friends call and tell you that a surprise episode of the The O.C. is on TV, you'll have learned quite a bit already. If you're sane, you'll tell them to record this freakish, embarrassingly addictive excuse for a show and move on to the Tom Feelings gallery. This room contains drawings of the slave trade that bring the viewer face-to-face with the emotional pain felt by Africans forced from their homes. Though this particular gallery claims to "embrace all of life, both its pain and joy," the next gallery is all about celebrating African culture. From tribal masks to beaded jewelry, the third gallery has a little bit of every aspect of traditional African culture.
The final gallery reopens tomorrow and will host a new photography exhibit entitled "Memories Go Round," on civil rights and black history since World War II. Through his photos, featured artist Jack Franklin helps visitors remember and reflect upon events that they may have personally experienced. Even college students can relate to Franklin's later work, done throughout the '90s. Plus, you probably didn't know that it's Black History Month, and there are only two ways to make up for that: either sell your filthy soul or check out this exhibit at the African American Museum. I highly recommend the latter.
