The Central Florida area has a lot to offer individuals seeking places to visit during Black History Month. For those seeking such history, look no further than The African American Museum of Fine Arts in Deland, Florida . The museum offers locals and visitors of the Central Florida area, a place to learn about the rich Black history that Deland and other neighboring cities have to offer.
The museum was incorporated in 1994 and still holds the principals on which it was established on. The founders, Irene-Dixon and Reverend Maxwell Johnson were prideful in the creation of the museum and believed in their vision to provide the community with something sustainable. Mrs. Johnson believed the museum could specifically serve as a place that African Americans in Deland could collect their history, art and culture in order to tell their story.
Neighboring museum’s such as the Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts serve as a memory of their founders, but also a place that promotes Black Art. Mrs. Johnson also shared a similar passion in giving Black Artists a place to display and sell their work. To date the museum has housed over hundreds of artist's work, highlighting African culture. Today the museum displays the work of the artist Joy Hayes. Hayes is a well accomplished artist, who's work has been displayed in many galleries throughout the Central Florida area
According the Museum’s CEO, Mary Allen, the Johnson’s wanted the museum to cater to the youth. “She (Johnson) was worried about our young people, she wanted a place where they could come learn about their history, culture, and establish their self esteem.
28 years since it’s doors opened, the AAMA has established itself within the Deland community as pillar for African Americans in the community. The museum conducts summer camp programs, festivals, and provides other opportunities for the youth to be educated on their history.
The Museum is currently in a second stage of a 3 part renovation project. This project includes the addition of an amphitheater, and a built on addition to the already existing building. With hopes the project will be done in late 2024 Allen believes it will embody what the Johnson’s envisioned. “This was their dream, this is the Johnson’s dream right here”, as she highlight the model of the New Museum Complex and Cultural Park.
With this momentum behind the museum and Allen’s leadership, the Johnson’s dream may very well become Deland’s.
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