ABA Supports New Black American Heritage Museum
Published on May 18, 2010 under American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release
Indianapolis, IN. Citing the opportunity to "...create a place that will celebrate the past, present and future of African Americans," an effort began in earnest today to take the first step toward creating The National Black America Heritage Museum.
The national museum would be the first of its kind in the country, according to Bill Mays, who will serve as chairman of a newly-formed steering commitee, whose goal is to build this facility in Indianapolis.
"It is our vision to create a museum, unlike any other, that recognizes the value and impact of every African-American who has ever lived, and those who are yet to come," said Mays.
Joe Newman, CEO of the American Basketball Association (ABA), www.abalive.com has been named to the steering committe along with Peter Andrews, co-owner of the ABA Tampa Bay Sharks, an expansion team that will begin play in December.
The concept, which has drawn attention nationally and locally, began to take shape during a recent presentation to a group of Indianapolis citizens. In addition to Mays, Andrews and Newman, initial members of the steering committee include: Dr. Woodrow Myers, Alpha Blackburn, Allan Zukerman and Troy Julian Gipson. More committee members will be announced soon.
Mays acknowledged that many other cities have African American museums, but added, "...this facility will be national in scope, and reserve a unique place in our country's history. The plans are incredible and will touch on everything from the arts, culture and sports to entertainment, music, religion and politics. There will be an ever-changing flow of new things to experience with every visit."
"The museum will be in Indianapolis," added Peter Andrews, "but we want to emphasize that it will be the National Black America Heritage Museum and we expect it to be a national attraction that captures the attention of people from across the country. Indianapolis is the home of many cultural destinations, including a number of museums and important attractions, like the world famous Indiana Black Expo...we couldn't have chosen a better city."
Embracing the theme, "You Deserve a Place in History," all contributions to the museum will be honored on the National Heritage Wall of Freedom regardless of race or religion.
Among the goals of the committee is to forge a partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The location of the museum is yet to be confirmed, but organizers are looking at possibly building on a site located at 15th and Meridan Streets in Indianapolis.
"Being involved with this wonderful project is certainly an honor," stated Newman, "the ABA is the most diversifed professional sports league in the US and our mission of inclusion and support for the African American community is well known. We'll do everything we can to help bring this to fruition."
For more information regarding the National Black America Museum and how you can become a part of it, contact Troy Julian Gipson at (317) 554-6350 or via email at jgipson@mzd.com or visit www.abalive.com.
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INITIAL MEMBERS - STEERING COMMITTEE - BIOS
William G. "Bill" Mays is a distingushed entrepreneur, long-time community leader and founder of Mays Chemical Co., Inc. He is also a successful owner of meda properties, including serving as publisher of The Indianapolis Recorder newspaper.
Dr. Woodrow Myers is a respected physican and successful business executive, who formerly served as State Health Commissioner for the State of Indiana.
Alpha Blackburn is the President and CEO of Blackburn Architects, recognized as the lead architect for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati.
Peter Anthony Andrews is a former television and film executive who now serves as CEO of Sports Equity Partners, a Tampa-based sports management company.
Allan Zukerman is na experienced marketing/advertising professional, who currently serves as Chairman/CEO of MZD Advertising, with offices in Indianapolis and Los Angeles.
Troy Julian Gipson specializes in providing multicultural marketing strategies on behalf of the clients served by MZD. Gipson's broad experience includes a great deal of work in the entertainment industry.
Joe Newman is the co-founder/CEO of the American Basketball Association (ABA), the largest professional sports league in the US anbd also the most diversified with 70 percent of its owners being African American, Hispanic, Asian and women.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from May 18, 2010
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
