116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
African American Museum of Iowa announces new executive director
Jacqueline Hunter has been museum educator since August
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CEDAR RAPIDS — Jacqueline Hunter, museum educator at the African American Museum of Iowa, has been named the museum’s next executive director.
Hunter joined the African American Museum of Iowa in August. Before that, she was executive director of the Multicultural Family Center in Dubuque. She has a background in education, having been a high school teacher, teacher-education professor, and an adjunct instructor. She currently teaches a course on African American history with Kirkwood Community College.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the African American Museum of Iowa, as their new Executive Director,” Hunter said in a Friday news release announcing her new role. “My vision is to build upon the Museum's foundation in the preservation, exhibition, and teaching of the African American heritage of Iowa.
“I am committed to ensuring that our Museum remains a vibrant space where the stories of African American resilience, innovation, and triumph are honored and shared with all. To lead a team dedicated to protecting the legacy of Iowa’s African American communities, so that future generations recognize and appreciate their essential contributions to society.”
The executive director position was most recently held by LaNisha Cassell, who led the museum for nine years and saw it through a multimillion-dollar renovation that reimagined the building and the organization’s scope throughout the state. She resigned Oct. 7.
In Hunter’s six months with the museum, she has spearheaded the introduction of new programs and partnerships, including:
- Coffee Conversations: informal conversations about topics related to the museum’s exhibits, held at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month;
- Life of an American Girl: a youth program that brings together history and play, held at 10:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month;
- Not a Monolith, a series that explores topics related to the experiences and contributions of Black individuals and communities, offered at 4 p.m. the third Saturday of each month.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bethune-Cookman University, and a master’s degree in social science education from Nova Southeastern University.
“We're elated to welcome Jacqueline Hunter as the new Executive Director of the African American Museum of Iowa,” AAMI Board President Abena Sankofa Imhotep said in the news release. “Her path from Museum Educator to this leadership role underscores her commitment to the mission of the organization. With Jacqueline at the helm, we're poised to enter an exciting new chapter, elevating the Museum’s impact and reaching new heights across our state.”
Hunter will begin her executive director duties March 3. A public welcome reception is planned for Thursday, March 6, from 4-6 p.m. at the museum, 55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids.
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