Black History Museum Exterior Gets New Look

The Griot Museum of Black History, formerly The Blackworld History Wax Museum, is getting a new look with banners for its exterior! The two 20' x 4', vibrant full-color banners feature portraits of life-size figures and themes in the Griot, located at 2505 St. Louis Ave. Some of the figures on the banners are Josephine Baker, Percy Green, Dred & Harriet Scott and MiLes Davis. The banners were designed by Triune Communication and will be installed by Person Roofing. Their design and production was made possible by a grant from the Missouri Humanities Council. Installation will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 15.

Only the second of its kind the country, The Griot Museum of Black History was founded by native St. Louisan, Lois D. Conley as The Black World History Wax Museum in February 1997. After 10 years of being variously known, the name was changed to "The Griot Museum of Black History" (The Griot") which more accurately reflects its mission and purpose-the keeper of the stories, culture, and history of Black people. In some African countries, the "griot," (pronounced "GREE-OH") is a highly respected member of the community who collects, preserves and shares the stories and objects of the community.

Expanding on the role of the griot in our society, the Griot's mission is "through compelling core exhibits, create a community of lifelong learners who explore, experience and embrace Missouri's rich and enduring African-American heritage." The Griot's vision is to be the premier resource for Black history and culture in the Midwest.

In addition to life-size likenesses of African Americans with a Missouri connection, The Griot also features an authentic slave cabin, originally built on the Wright-Smith Plantation in Jonesburg, Missouri. Visitors can solve puzzles, view documentary videos, and "board" a scale model section of a ship that is the actual size used to transport Africans to America during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Griot's "Motherland Museum Shop," offers Afrocentric clothing, jewelry, figurines, sculptures books, videos, and greeting cards. The Griot's website address is thegriotmuseum.com and may also be contacted on facebook.

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