The Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives has planned to have its doors open Saturday, in honor of Florida A&M University’s first commencement in the new multi-purpose gym.
The annual pre-graduation event is held to congratulate new graduates and welcome alumni, family and friends to the campus.
“We want the families that are coming into town for FAMU, FSU and TCC graduations to experience a walk through African American history,” said Elizabeth Dawson, director of the museum. “There will be a special graduation display in honor of all graduates.”
The Meek-Eaton Black Archives maintains one of the largest holdings relating to African-American history and culture in the Southeastern United States.
Attendees will take self-guided tours of the facility.
The tour includes a walk through the history of FAMU, a presidential exhibition and a children’s section that features women’s history.
“People don’t want to go home when they come…every year people are here until closing,” Dawson said. “It is truly an enriched social outing.”
“The black archives is filled with rich history,” said Keena Callaway 23, a graduate art administration student from Daytona Beach, Fla. Callaway will also give tours during Saturday’s event. “People will get a first hand visual of all the stories they hear about FAMU from their family members,” Callaway said.
Herron Gaston, a student employee of the Black Archives, who will be graduating this spring, said he is excited about bringing his family to the center.
“I am looking forward to giving my family a personal tour,” said Gaston 21, a graduating public administration student from Haines City, Fla. “We don’t have these cultural artifacts where I’m from. To be able to be immersed in our history from slavery to present is extremely rewarding.”
The museum’s regular tour hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. On Saturday, May 2, the center will be open from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is always free.
The general public is invited to come out.