Episode 8 - Aging Hero - Dr. John Fleming - Founder of African American History Museums

In honor of Black History Month, we hear the story of Dr. John Fleming, who grew up during the 1960’s civil rights era, protesting at lunch counters and marching from Selma to Montgomery.  Early in life, he developed a dream of becoming a missionary in Africa.  After traveling to Malawi with the Peace Corps, John became disillusioned with the character of the missionary work he saw there.  He then went on to get his Ph.D. at Howard University, working with some of the top researchers in the field of Black history.  After 5 years of post-graduate work, he was recruited to start the National African American Museum and Cultural Center at Wilberforce, Oh.  This project led to him being recruited to start museums in Cincinnati, Mississippi and most recently the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

For information about the latest museum developed by Dr. Fleming: National Museum of African American Music

Other museums developed by Dr. Fleming: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center