To many schoolchildren, two water fountains mean nothing. To Black children growing up during desegregation efforts in the United States, two water fountains meant a reminder that they were perceived as 'less than.'
Those days of civil rights are just one of the eras of natural history documented in the Black Archives Museum at the St. Joseph Museums. The Archives Museum, started in 1991 by Jewell Robinson, has evolved over time and now includes sections on not only the Civil War and Antebellum times in St. Joseph, but on famous African-Americans from the area and their contributions from sports to music to civil rights.
Co-director Alonzo Weston says that the Archives are an ever-evolving exhibit featuring historical documents donated by local citizens such as himself. Weston recently retired from the St. Joseph News-Press and is excited to get the word out about the Archives.
"I've heard from a lot of people that we need this kind of exhibit, but we have one! I really like working with the schools. For the past five years or so, we've brought schoolkids through for tours and speakers," says Weston.
Music and sports are a major focus of the Archives since Coleman Hawkins, the 'Father of the Tenor Saxophone,' is a St. Joseph native. The exhibit focuses on his early influences and commercial successes, such as his famed recording, "Body and Soul.'
The four-room exhibit also offers a glimpse into the Underground Railroad, the Middle Passage, Desegratation, and contributions to education and civil rights in the area.
One way in which the museum is growing is through the Hall of Fame. Nominations focus on the St. Joseph area residents that made a significant and lasting impact through community involvement, economic impact, or educational contributions.
The Black Archives Museum offers value from its perspective from local residents. Rather than just documenting the journey of Black Americans, it gives a unique perspective from Black Missourians.
The Black Archives are currently open to 25 people at a time, with social distancing and masks required. For more information, visit StJosephMuseum.org.