Almost two decades ago, the nation's first Black governor, L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia, announced the creation of a museum to detail the history of slavery through out the United States.
The board behind the project included various celebrities such as Bill Cosby who agreed to make large donations to the museum. Also involved were the presidents of Hampton and Howard universities as well as local business leaders.
38 acres of land in Fredericksburg Virginia were gifted. The board set a goal of raising $200 million. The project was to include a replica slave ship and an internationally renowned architect set out blueprints.
It was slated to open in 2004.
In addition, collectors of slavery and Reconstruction memorabilia donated extensive amounts of historic relics.
But what happened? Where is the museum now?
Nonexistent.
Most blame L. Douglas Wilder. Rev. Lawrence Davies, former mayor of Fredericksburg, says that, "Governor Wilder disappeared."
Still, despite criticism, Wilder has largely refused to answer questions as to why the museum has gone nowhere. The museum filed for bankruptcy last Fall and many donors are requesting that their items be returned.
"Black people deserve better," said one donor.
The board behind the project included various celebrities such as Bill Cosby who agreed to make large donations to the museum. Also involved were the presidents of Hampton and Howard universities as well as local business leaders.
38 acres of land in Fredericksburg Virginia were gifted. The board set a goal of raising $200 million. The project was to include a replica slave ship and an internationally renowned architect set out blueprints.
It was slated to open in 2004.
In addition, collectors of slavery and Reconstruction memorabilia donated extensive amounts of historic relics.
But what happened? Where is the museum now?
Nonexistent.
Most blame L. Douglas Wilder. Rev. Lawrence Davies, former mayor of Fredericksburg, says that, "Governor Wilder disappeared."
Still, despite criticism, Wilder has largely refused to answer questions as to why the museum has gone nowhere. The museum filed for bankruptcy last Fall and many donors are requesting that their items be returned.
"Black people deserve better," said one donor.
