Conn Hosts African American Museum Exhibit and Black History Month Programs
Connecticut College is celebrating Black History Month with a significant installation from the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum, the only one of its kind in the state. This exhibit, which is displayed in the Charles E. Shain Library throughout February, is a partnership with Conn’s Black Student Union (BSU). It has been made possible through the generous support of the Sharis ’86 & Thorn ’88 Pozen Endowed Fund for Excellence in Journalism, Writing, and Media.
A Glimpse into African American Heritage
Founded in 2021 and located in Stratford, the Fletcher Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting African American history and culture. With a collection that includes over 160,000 artifacts, documents, photographs, and media, the museum invites visitors to journey through the Black experience—from the start of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in 1619 to pivotal events in the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic Montgomery bus boycott of 1956.
Opening Reception Highlights
The exhibit opened its doors on February 2, featuring an abridged screening of a rare 45-minute documentary that showcases unearthed footage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This documentary chronicles Dr. King’s life, providing nuanced insights from his early involvement in the Civil Rights Movement to the final year of his impactful journey.
Founder’s Perspective
Jeffrey Fletcher, the museum’s founder and Executive Director and son of Ruby and Calvin Fletcher, led the screening. He passionately recounted how the museum’s inception was deeply inspired by his mother, Ruby, who moved north from South Carolina in the 1940s, seeking a life free from the oppression of Jim Crow laws. “Ruby got tired of Jim Crow… She packed what little she had and took a bus, eventually finding a community in Colchester,” Fletcher explained. His mother’s journey of hope and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the pursuit of equality.
Upon Ruby’s passing in 2006, Fletcher discovered her collection of about 500 artifacts related to African American culture, which many now call “junk”—but he has come to understand their profound significance. “She believed everything is of value,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of preserving stories and cultures for future generations.
Engagement and Reflection
The Shain Library installation goes beyond mere display, compelling attendees to explore how Black narratives are shared and the crucial role of representation in telling these stories. BSU Co-President Kyaira Hall, a self-designated digital design marketing major, underscored the significance of this engagement. “This is more than a display. It’s an opportunity for our community to engage with how stories are preserved, whose voices are amplified, and what it means when history is told by those who lived it.”
Students at the Forefront
Associate Professor of Psychology Kendell Coker, who serves on the museum’s board, brought students to visit the museum in 2023. Kyaira Hall expressed a strong desire for more students to engage with the museum’s offerings. In a moment of inspiration, media relations director Christina Flowers proposed bringing the museum’s essence directly to students on campus.
As part of this dynamic installation, the Dr. King documentary plays continuously, revealing intimate and rare footage of his life and activism. Fletcher noted the significance of this discovery—footage that reflects moments where Dr. King spoke to young, arrested Black men in Montgomery and addressed audiences even while recovering from a life-threatening attack.
Conversations on Storytelling
In conjunction with the exhibition, the BSU is hosting a public conversation titled “Telling Our Stories” on Wednesday, February 11, at 4 p.m. This event gathers award-winning journalists to discuss the significance of media ethics and representation in reporting Black stories today. Moderated by Associate Professor of English Jeff Strabone, this panel discussion aims to pave the way for critical conversations around journalism, storytelling, and lived experiences.
“This exhibit is about how communication and journalism played a significant part in African American history and in our lives,” Fletcher stated, highlighting the powerful intersection of media and history.
As the installation continues throughout the month, it stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing Black history. Through exhibitions, storytelling, and community engagement, Connecticut College amplifies voices that have long been marginalized, allowing for a richer understanding of history and culture.
