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Bank of America contributes additional $500,000 to IAAM

Staff //November 18, 2021//

Bank of America contributes additional $500,000 to IAAM

Staff //November 18, 2021//

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This holiday season, Bank of America is presenting the International African American Museum with a gift, but this one won’t be wrapped up in a neat little bow.

The bank is doubling its support to the museum with another $500,000 donation to support programming and operations, the IAAM said in a news release.

The funding will go toward development of museum programming, curriculum and operational plans, as well as recruitment and hiring of museum staff.

“This second major gift from Bank of America underscores the company’s commitment to our mission and to work that moves the dial on equity and racial justice,” said IAAM CEO Tonya M. Matthews, in a statement. “We are grateful and proud to be in partnership with such an esteemed organization.”

Throughout the last two years of construction at Gadsden’s Wharf, the museum has hosted audiences both in-person and virtually to discuss the project, which is set to open in late 2022.

“We are so grateful for Bank of America’s tremendous support and leadership, which has helped the museum reach major milestones,” said Joseph P. Riley Jr., former mayor of Charleston, in a statement. “During critical and early stages in the creation of the museum, Bank of America has been there.”

Riley serves a lifetime board member of the International African American Museum.

With gifts from Sony, Mackenzie Scott, NFL, Michelin and more, the IAAM aims to share the untold stories of the African-American journey to Charleston — the disembarkation point for nearly half of all enslaved Americans.

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