Now that 2023 is recent history, looking back at one of the groundbreaking events was the opening of the Cultural Museum of African Art, Inc., The Eric Edwards Collection’s phenomenal museum opening in Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Restoration Corp. on November 18, 2023.  This is the largest privately-owned and publicly-funded collection of African artifacts to ever go public.

The collection is the brainchild of Eric Edwards, with some pieces dating back 4,000 years gathered from numerous West and South African countries.  

GrassRootsWire writers Carolyn Jenkins and Michael Howard met with Eric and Edye Edwards at the Museum in January, and learned of future developments for the museum.  From Restoration Plaza street level, look up and you’ll see these magnificent pieces through the second floor window.  Edwards said, “Plans for the future include more space to house my collection.” 

The current exhibit is only a small portion of Edward’s collection.  Also on the agenda is an area to house a collection of original jazz LPs.  While not dating back 4,000 years, they do date back to the 1940s and 1950s.  

Eric has said numerous times that these pieces have a message – stop, look, listen and learn when they speak. This message is echoed in the inside cover of the Museum’s opening program by J.A. Mason reminding us of the importance of the Black survival struggle with this admonishment, “I wondered, what words did mothers and fathers, dreaming of freedom, whisper in the ears of their children and loved ones as they lay chained in the rolling, dark, hellish stench of the slave ship’s bowels?  The spirits whispered the answer in my ears, ‘You Survive! By All Means! For One Day You Will Be Free to Tell Our Stories!’”  Edward’s collection helps tell our stories.

NYS Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman was a major force in bringing the museum to fruition in record breaking time.  As stated in the Grand Opening Program, “Her support goes beyond the arts; it is an investment in the community, enriching the cultural landscape of New York and providing an invaluable resource for learning and inspiration for generations to come.”

The Museum also had much support from City Council member Chi Osse, Annette Robinson, former 56th District Assembly member and numerous other politicians, entertainers and community activists.

It’s easy to envision lunch-time traffic, out-of-town tourists, students and families out for a day trip, putting the Cultural Museum of African Art, Inc. at the top of their “Must See” list.

Below is a sample of the artifacts.  

Spending the day with Eric and Edie was not only informative, but truly delightful to be in their presence.  There’s a lot more to come, so we will return.

The Museum is located at 1360 Fulton Street, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, New York, 11216.  Telephone: 917-520-8977; E-mail: info@cmaaeec.org; Website cmaaeec.org.  Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.