Former President Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, visited the International African American Museum (IAAM) on Sunday, January 19, as part his last official visit as current sitting president. Historically, Biden launched his second-term 2024 presidential campaign by starting in the historic Charleston, S.C.
The IAAM is located at Gadsden's Wharf, a historically significant site where nearly 40 percent of all enslaved Africans brought to North America first arrived. The museum's location itself serves as a "sacred ground" for African American history.
“This was an extraordinary and powerful Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend for IAAM – and for our community,” said Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, IAAM’s president and chief executive officer. “From commemorative breakfasts at congregations that anchor historic Black communities, to parading through the streets of Charleston alongside our neighbors, to hosting the outgoing President of the United States for his final official remarks at this sacred site of American history: the weekend epitomizes empathetic reckoning with our nation’s storied past.”
“The International African American Museum rose to the occasion to reflect not only the dream and vision of Dr. King, but also our mission to honor the stories,” Matthews said. “We certainly made some joyful noise! The journey continues – let’s keep our community, our nation moving forward.”
During Biden’s visit, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn of the 6th district of South Carolina presented Biden a gift by IAAM’s CEO on behalf of museum, with the engravement: “On the historic occasion of the first visit of a U.S. President to the International African American Museum at the sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, we present this Carolina maple wood and hand-woven sweetgrass to President Joe Biden, 46th President of the United States, on January 19, 2025.”
“On behalf of Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, CEO of the International African American Museum, and myself and the full community of South Carolina we are deeply honored to present President Biden with this extraordinary gift,” said Clyburn. “Crafted by the hands of skilled Charleston artisans. This award is framed by the timeless art of sweetgrass weaving – a tradition rooted in African culture and maintained in the Lowcountry through Gullah Geechee traditions. The plaque is made of wood carved from a Carolina
maple tree, dating back to the early 1800s. This reclaimed wood comes from land where enslaved individuals labored. These two things are now blended into this powerful symbol of resilience and hope.
“This gift serves as a profound reflection of our nation’s history, acknowledging both the tragedy of oppression and the enduring triumphant spirit of resilience and achievement,” Clyburn said. “It celebrates the extraordinary contributions of African Americans – honoring the past while embracing the promise of a brighter future which your presidency – your 50 + years of public service – have reminded us.”
The IAAM Presidential Award was created by three separate artists outside of IAAM. The design concept was created by IAAM Marketing leadership with the design mockup by Jon Lessans from Indigo Ink. The first piece, the sweetgrass rice platter woven, was created by local artist Corey Alston (and family). The second piece, the woodwork disk, was created by artist Steven Aycock II. The reclaimed maple wood was gathered from the Carolinas in the early 1800s. Both pieces are affixed by an epoxy.
Key features and highlights of IAAM include:
• The African Ancestors Memorial Garden, designed by landscape architect Walter Hood, incorporates architectural and artistic elements that honor the African ancestors who arrived at Gadsden's Wharf. It includes a shallow pool of water that visitors can wade through, symbolically retracing the steps of their ancestors.
• The Center for Family History, which helps visitors research their genealogy and ancestral connections, has become one of the museum's most impactful offerings. It provides specialized resources for African Americans tracing their family histories through the challenges of slavery and its aftermath.
The museum's permanent exhibitions focus on several key themes:
• The history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
• The development of African American culture
• The contributions of African Americans to American history
• The Civil Rights Movement
• Contemporary African American achievements
