Our Journey to Founding Our Museum

Established in 2024, our journey to founding our Art Museum began nearly 20 years ago while we were serving in, and in support of, the U.S. Army. It was during our time at Balad Air Base in Iraq that we came across an inspiring article titled "African American Masters," which featured the works of distinguished artists such as Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Richard Mayhew, and Charles White. Intrigued by the profound impact of these artists, many of whom had also served in the U.S. military, we delved deeper into the world of African Diaspora art. This initial spark of interest grew into a passion for collecting art, which continued to flourish upon our return home.

We decided to purchase property in Atlantic Beach, SC, a place my wife visited as a child, and our collection steadily grew until we eventually ran out of wall space to display the art. Recognizing the need to share these remarkable works with the public, we saw the perfect opportunity to establish a museum in Atlantic Beach, affectionately known as "The Black Pearl." This museum not only serves as a repository for our extensive collection but also as a cultural beacon that celebrates and honors the rich history and artistic contributions of the African Diaspora.