Think for yourself

The African American Museum of Iowa (AAMI) recently launched its new book club in collaboration with a variety of independent bookstores across the state. Book Club 802 gets its name from Iowa House File 802. This legislation bans Iowa governmental entities, including public schools and colleges, from teaching what some consider divisive concepts. As a non-governmental entity, the AAMI can and will continue to talk about race, racism, and systemic oppression, and we invite everyone to join us in the conversation.

History museums play a vital role in facilitating important conversations. In particular, the AAMI has demonstrated its relevance over the last 30 years and led transformational dialogues in communities that continue to come to terms with the legacy and perpetuation of racial injustice and systems of oppression. The AAMI is the only institution in the state purposed with educating Iowans about our full history. These discussions are essential for understanding our shared stories, determining how each of us can be part of results-driven solutions, ultimately leading to acknowledgment, understanding, new laws that are enforced, and even healing.

The Museum is not merely a vault full of artifacts and stories; it serves as a living testimony to the resilience, creativity, and the strength of Black Iowans and many other Black Americans who have endured and overcome. We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to shed light on the complexities of history, offering a platform for dialogue that encourages critical thinking, self-reflection, and cultural understanding. Engaging diverse audiences through books and facilitated discussions in safe and welcoming spaces is not only desired but needed, especially given recent efforts around the nation and here in Iowa to regulate and silence stories that some deem “uncomfortable.”

At the heart of our many institutional charges lies the necessity of confronting uncomfortable truths AND addressing them directly. Discomfort can be a sharpening and reshaping tool, resulting in character building, clarity of mind, and conviction to action. When we acknowledge painful chapters in our history, we are validating the struggles of countless individuals who fought and continue to fight for justice and equality. By addressing these historical and present-day injustices head-on by reading books that educate and inspire, the AAMI is providing a safe space for healing and reconciliation while promoting lifelong learning, reading with intention, accountability, freedom of expression, and maybe even unexpected camaraderie.

Of course, the museum understands there are individuals and groups that are hesitant to discuss issues around race, racism, and systemic oppression, fearing that these conversations could sow division or promote a particular narrative. It is crucial to emphasize that discussing these subjects within the context of the AAMI’s vision and mission does NOT equate to perpetuating divisiveness or imposing a particular ideology. We envision building a community that comes together to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Iowa’s African American history and culture through conversation, engagement, and reflection. So, we are serving as a platform for open dialogue, allowing individuals to engage critically with history, analyze societal dynamics, and form their own conclusions.

Encouraging independent thought and informed perspectives is at the core of our mission to preserve, exhibit, and teach. Book Club 802 is free and open to anyone, a safe space without pressure or judgment. By engaging participants in thoughtful conversations about race and history, the museum is offering a chance for people of all backgrounds to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of their neighbors, friends, and even family members. This understanding fosters empathy and compassion, helping to bridge communities together instead of widening the gaps caused by mandates that call our freedoms into question. Book Club 802 discussions will allow participants to connect historical injustices to contemporary challenges. Systemic racism is not a relic of the past; it continues to shape the experiences of people of color today. By highlighting this continuum, the museum enables visitors to recognize the interconnectedness of social issues and to become active participants in the ongoing fight for equality in all aspects of society.

In addition, these book club dialogues (as well as all AAMI exhibits and programs) cause patrons to confront their own biases and question preconceived notions. This process of self and societal awareness is uncomfortable but necessary to bring about progress. The conversations sparked within the museum's far reaching network serve as catalysts for change, inspiring individuals to carry the lessons learned into their communities and everyday lives.

Museum professionals, and specifically at the AAMI, carry a profound responsibility. As we navigate the complexities of our communities and our world, it is essential to recognize that the fear of allowing individuals to think for themselves has done more harm than good. Our role will always include promoting critical thinking, open dialogue, and informed perspectives. We retain the power to educate and inspire, and are not deterred in the face of literary restrictions.

Book Club 802 convened its first meeting on Sept. 12 in partnership with Swamp Fox Bookstore in Marion. “Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts” by Rebecca Hall was the selected book and will be discussed at the next meetings convened at Prairie Lights Books and Cafe in Iowa City on Oct. 18 and at Dragonfly Books in Decorah on October 24. Learn more by visiting the AAMI online at blackiowa.org.

LaNisha Cassell is executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa.