In this episode of the podcast, join host Rob Lee as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Joanne Martin, the co-founder and president of The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, America's first wax museum of African American history in Baltimore, Maryland. Featuring over 150 life-size and lifelike black wax figures, the museum portrays 5,000 years of African American history, representing scenes from ancient Africa to the present, aiming to promote African American history, inspire youth, challenge racial stereotypes, and uplift the community. Since its inception in 1983 as a traveling show, the museum has grown significantly, receiving over 200,000 visitors annually. Dr. Martin, a holder of a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, has been a driving force behind the museum's expansion efforts, with plans to open a new $60 million facility in the coming years to further enrich the community in East Baltimore's low-income Oliver Community.
Join us as we discuss:
Join us for an engaging episode as Dr. Joanne Martin shares the mission and work of the museum. The museum was founded by her husband, Elmer, in response to the lack of representation and distorted depictions of African American history in mainstream museums. The wax figures in the museum provide a tangible and up-close experience of black history, showcasing the diversity and resilience of the black community. Dr. Martin discusses the challenges of maintaining the wax figures and the importance of accurately representing the individuals they portray. She also highlights the need for more discussion and recognition of various aspects of black culture, such as the black extended family and the contributions of black women. The museum aims to expand and create more opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the surrounding community.
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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.
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