Jim Crow Exhibit Opens at Albuquerque Museum Nov 7

Albuquerque residents can view a new exhibition on the history of racial imagery in the United States starting Friday, Nov 7. The show, titled Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, moves to the Albuquerque Museum from Ferris State University. It will remain on display until April 11, 2027.

The exhibit displays 151 historic items of material culture. These objects date from the late 19th century to the present day. They illustrate the effects of the Jim Crow system on the African American experience. The collection also shows how African Americans resisted racial injustice throughout that era.

Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum, will speak at the museum at 2 p.m. on Nov 7. This opening weekend talk is free to the public. A community-focused panel discussion is also scheduled for early next year. Pilgrim stated that the museum is committed to dialogue. He noted that honest and courageous conversations about difficult topics create the possibility for lasting change.

The exhibition aims to place objects in their proper historical context. This approach seeks to build understanding and empathy for victims of racial intolerance. The museum wants visitors to recognize the need to guard against dehumanizing characterizations of others. This helps prevent such views from becoming culturally entrenched.

Albuquerque Museum Director Andrew Connors said the museum is engaging with community members and organizations dedicated to civil rights. He described the exhibition as a platform for difficult conversations with people who have actively fought for justice. Mayor Keller added that museums help residents understand the world, including difficult parts of history. She said bringing the exhibition to Albuquerque creates opportunities for learning and meaningful community conversations.

Dr. Bill Pink, president of Ferris State University, said the Jim Crow Museum serves as both an archive and an educational experience. He noted that the museum has been an anti-racism resource for over two decades. The permanent museum is located at Ferris State University. It uses objects to inform, teach, and create dialogues about race relations. Students, scholars, civic leaders, and civil rights workers have visited the museum to discuss race and racism.

The exhibit coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. In New Mexico, the African American community has a history dating back to 1539, when Estevanico entered what is now New Mexico. Over the past 487 years, the community has opened businesses, founded settlements, and established places of worship. The exhibition highlights that discrimination and violence have not been limited to a specific geographic region.