Guided by this year’s theme, “Soul(Food) of Freedom,” the International African American Museum (IAAM) continues the month of May with a focus on the cultural and historical enlightenment found within the African American journey. This month, IAAM spotlights the untold legacy of Black cowboys, premieres new contemporary art and film experiences through its Spoleto Festival USA collaboration, and honors a Charleston native Medal of Honor recipient ahead of Memorial Day.
Together, these new additions and this month’s programming connect both local and national history to the conversations shaping our communities, with inviting visitors to engage deeply with the “soul” of American history.
NEWEST IAAM EXHIBITIONS
IAAM introduces three significant installations that expand the narrative depth of our American Journeys and South Carolina Connections galleries:
- Black Cowboys of South Carolina: This digital exhibition, in partnership with Google Arts and Culture, highlights the legacy and skill of Black equestrians in the Palmetto State. The exhibition expounds their integral role in the American cattle industry and the spirit of the frontier. The tradition lives on today through family, land, and the Black Cowboy Festival organized by Mark and Sandra Myers in Rembert, S.C. Visitors can explore online the under-told story of Black cowboys in South Carolina, past and present.
- Ralph H. Johnson Shadow Box: Just ahead of Memorial Day, IAAM will honor Charleston native Pfc. Ralph H. Johnson, a U.S. Marine and posthumous Medal of Honor recipient within its South Carolina Connections gallery. Gifted by his family, the new installation will feature a shadow box containing the American flag presented to his family and his military decorations, commemorating his ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. In addition, a photographic print of a portrait of Johnson, painted by professional artist Rick Austin, will be on display.
- Rock-A-Bye Baby by J. Renee: Now on display in our Creative Journeys exhibit, this contemporary work offers a reflective response to the history of George Stinney Jr., the 14-year-old wrongfully executed in South Carolina in 1944. The installation includes a timeline spanning 1944 to 2014, the year his conviction was vacated, drawing a direct line between historical injustice and public memory.
- Note to Visitors: To respect the integrity of this work and the sensitivities it engages, photography and videography will not be permitted of this exhibit.
IAAM AND SPOLETO PARTNERSHIP
In partnership with Spoleto Festival USA, IAAM will present “HOMEGOING,” a short film created by Davóne Tines and filmmaker Julie Dash, alongside an exclusive discussion with Tines. Both experiences are included with admission to the museum.
- Background: Filmed at Mother Emanuel AME Church and the historic Angel Oak Tree in Johns Island, the short film commemorates the "Emanuel Nine" on the tenth anniversary of the tragedy. It seeks to answer: "What if a memorial was a monument to joy?"
- Dates: In conjunction with our “Seeking: Mapping Our Gullah Geechee Story" film, this film will be also shown in rotation during museum hours from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, June 7 within IAAM’s Theater. More information: iaamuseum.org/event/iaam-x-
spoleto-homecoming-short-film/ - Special Talk-Back Program: On Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 p.m., creator Davóne Tines will lead a 45-minute talk-back in IAAM’s Studio Time room, discussing the creative process and the film's journey. Early arrival is recommended. More information: iaamuseum.org/event/iaam-x-
spoleto-a-conversation-with- homegoing-film-creator-davone- tines/
MAY 2026 PROGRAMS & EVENTS:
Special Exhibition: “middle of somewhere: the art and the legacy of Black Southern makers”
- When: Ongoing Special Exhibition on display until February 2027 *Included with museum admission ticket!
- Where: International African American Museum
- Details: This exhibition continues throughout the year, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of Black artists from and inspired by the American South. Visitors can explore a vibrant array of pottery, textiles, and other artistic traditions that showcase the ingenuity and innovation of communities whose stories have too often been overlooked.
Young Griots (Youth & Family Program)
- When: Every Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM *Included with museum admission ticket!
- Where: International African American Museum
- Details: The Young Griots program empowers youth to explore the museum and express their findings through art. Hosted in our Studio Time room; current sessions feature the creation of Abayomi Dolls, a meaningful craft originating from the Yoruba people of West Africa.
- Getting Started with Genealogy (Daily Sessions)
- When: Every Tuesday to Friday | 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM *Included with museum admission ticket!
- Where: International African American Museum
- Details: Unlock your history at the Center for Family History (CFH), where our team teaches the fundamental methods for tracing ancestral lines and documenting generational heritage.
Film Screening: Unspoken, Part Two
- When: Thursday, May 14 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: International African American Museum
- Details: Join us for a compelling continuation of “Unspoken” as Part Two deepens the conversation around race, religion, and identity in the American South. This follow-up documentary moves beyond introduction and into reflection, examining how communities wrestle with truth, memory, and accountability in the pursuit of healing. Through powerful storytelling, lived experiences, and critical dialogue, “Unspoken: Part Two” explores the ongoing impact of racial injustice and the difficult work of reconciliation within faith spaces and broader society.
Roots and Resilience: Mapping Family History Through Mind, Soul & Spirit | CFH Podcast
- When: Saturday, May 16 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Where: Tune in online on Youtube or in-person at IAAM’s CFH Conference Room
- Details: As part of the “Untold African American Stories: CFH Podcast,” this live-recorded session will explore how uncovering family histories, especially those shaped by enslavement, displacement, and survival can impact us emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
IAAM x Spoleto: “Homecoming” Short Film
- When: Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 7 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Where: International African American Museum
- Details: In partnership with Spoleto Festival USA, from May 22 to June 7 the International African American Museum will showcase the short film “Homegoing” within its IAAM Theater during operational hours.
IAAM x Spoleto: Monuments to Joy: The Making of “HOMEGOING”
- When: Tuesday, May 26 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Where: International African American Museum
- Details: In partnership with Spoleto Festival USA, singer and creator Davóne Tines will discuss the process of creating the film, “HOMEGOING,” recounting the artistic journey and creative process involving director Julie Dash, and his band THE TRUTH (John Bitoy, piano; Khari Lucas, sound artist).
IAAM History Free Document Scanning Day | Historic Lincolnville
- When: Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Off-site: Ebenezer AME Church (In partnership with The Lincolnville Hometown Festival)
- Details: The Lincolnville Preservation & Historical Society, in partnership with IAAM’s Center for Family History, invites families who lived in Lincolnville between 1832 and 1970 to participate in an extraordinary community event. This community event invites the public to digitize up to 10 family photos or documents. CFH staff will also host a genealogy workshop. Those interested are encouraged to register HERE.
For more information and a full list of upcoming programs, please visit iaamuseum.org/events.