U.S. Senator Bill Nelson visited Florida A&M University’s Black Archives Research Center and Museum Wednesday to present memorabilia collected from President Barack Obama’s campaign team.
Nelson donated several items he gathered during Obama’s campaign and inauguration to display in the Black Archive’s collection.
Nelson was introduced to the small audience assembled in front of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives building by FAMU’s President James Ammons.
After a brief overview of the Senator’s history, the he took the lectern to present the items.
“I was excited when I heard FAMU was collecting memorabilia [from the election] in the Black Archives.” Nelson said.
Nelson said he was elated when he learned that the university had an exhibit dedicated to Obama’s rise to power.
“This is a very special part of our country’s history that commemorates the inauguration of the first African American president in U.S. history,” he said.
The items he donated included two unpublished photographs, the program from the inauguration, an official invite to the inaugural parade and an invite to the Southern Ball held in Washington, D.C.
“He wanted to share them first with the citizens of the national through the black archives,” said Elizabeth Dawson, director of the black archives. “We should be extremely proud of that.”
The Senator presented each photo with the story of the circumstances that surrounded the then president-elect.
Ammons and Dawson took a moment to express their gratitude for Nelson’s generosity, on behalf of the university and Black Archives.
Dawson also noted that all the items would go on display immediately.