[Archived] City Council Public Hearing to Address Name Change at Alexandria Black History Resource Center

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Alexandria City Council Public Hearing to Address
Name Change at Alexandria Black History Resource Center

Alexandria, VA — The proposed name change for the Alexandria Black History Resource Center will be one of the topics at a City Council public hearing scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 301 King St., beginning at 9:30 a.m. The proposed name change, from the Alexandria Black History Resource Center to the Alexandria Museum of African American Culture, is supported by the City Facilities Naming Committee, the Center’s advisory board and the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission.

“Based on meetings with the Center’s advisory board, the decision was made to consider a new name and mission statement for the Center,” said Jean Taylor Federico, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria. “We feel that the proposed new name, the Alexandria Museum of African American Culture, better reflect the goals and objectives of the institution as well as its role in the community.”

The proposed name for the institution makes three basic changes to the current name.

First, the use of the term “Museum” rather than “Resource Center.” The institution’s mission is to “enrich the lives of Alexandria’s residents and visitors, to foster understanding among all cultures and to stimulate appreciation for the diversity of the African American experience.” It accomplishes this mission by inspiring the public to explore the integral relationship between

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Alexandria’s African American heritage and other cultural traditions, and by collecting artifacts and archival materials relating to Alexandria’s African American heritage within its regional and national context. This in line with the goals and objectives of a “museum,” which refers to collecting institutions which interpret objects, educate the public, and preserve collections and buildings. A “Resource Center” is a designation often used in schools and has in many cases replaced “library.” Additionally, it is important that the institution is recognized as a museum for accreditation purposes, for loans from other collections, and generally for the ability to focus on collections, programs, and education.

Second, the use of the term “African American” rather than “Black” is now is the more appropriate usage and is suggested by most style books.

Finally, the use of the term “Culture” rather than “History.” This change recognizes the institution’s focus on more than just the history of the African American community. The institution has hosted numerous exhibitions which include art, photography, and parallel programming goes far beyond the term “history.” For example, the institution offers a program on contemporary African American fiction and poetry, and art exhibitions have included contemporary artists in a number of media. Thus, the use of the term “culture” would allow the institution to more adequately interpret and give fuller meaning to the African American experience.

“The Center works to complete its mission of preserving the history of Alexandria’s African-American citizens, as well as providing a forum for issues of concern to all African Americans,” said Louis Hicks, Director of the Alexandria Black History Resource Center. “We feel that the new name, the Alexandria Museum of African American Culture, more accurately describes and explains the mission, goals and objectives of our institution.”

Information on the name change and the public hearing are available from the Office of Historic Alexandria, 703.838.4554 and the Alexandria Black History Resource Center, 703.838.4356.

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