October 30, 2009 - May 2, 2010

America I AM celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to our country and the world. Through artifacts, multimedia, and programs visitors explore the influence and innovations of African Americans.

Visitors can walk past the ‘Door of No Return’; view personal artifacts and innovations of African American artists, activists and inventors; and investigate key moments in the evolution of the nation to open dialogue about our collective experience and future.

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America I AM along with related exhibitions, programs, and films being offered at partner institutions, fosters a greater understanding of the African American imprint and recognizes our shared human experience.

Learn more about the exhibit at americaiam.org, or follow it on Facebook and Twitter.

These educational programs will be presented at the California Science Center, in association with the California African American Museum.

Admission to the programs is free, but registration is required. Please call (213) 744-2024 or visit www.caamuseum.org for more information and registration.

Marvelous Merpeople
November 8, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.

Since the 18th century, Mami and Papi Wata's following has grown in Africa, as well as in the Caribbean and parts of South America; participants will create a merperson doll with cotton fabrics, paper and natural fibers, and use small organic decorative elements to enhance them.

Soul Food Resilience & Reinvention
December 13, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.

Celebrating a tradition of survival and resilience, this lecture and food demonstration by Dr. Desmonette Hazly makes evident how African Americans took food stuffs often discarded by the "Big House's" kitchen and reinterpreted them, creating a culturally specific cuisine.

Soul Line Dancing: an exercise alternative
January 24, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

Learn some of the most popular soul line dances with J&J Soulful Steps as you groove to soulful sounds and dance your way to health.

African American Religion and Spirituality
February 28, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a lively discussion with Dr. Vincent L. Wimbush about the journey from Africa, to America as we explore the religious and spiritual history of African Americans.

Dialoguing: Multi-Cultural Representation in the Film and Television Industry
February 21, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

Come learn strategies for changing the reflection of what we see in film and television and dialogue about solutions that include us all.

Delve deeper into topics of race, culture, and civil rights by exploring these related exhibitions, programs, and films on view at the California African American Museum, California Science Center and Skirball Cultural Center:

Race: Are We So Different?
California Science Center
October 3-December 31, 2009

The Medicalization of Race
A Science Matters program, moderated by Tavis Smiley
California Science Center
November 21, 2009

Across the Sea of Time (IMAX 3D Film)
California Science Center IMAX Theater
Now Showing

Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey (IMAX Film)
California Science Center IMAX Theater
Now Showing

Tuskegee Airmen: Journey to Flight
California African American Museum
June 18-November 29, 2009

Harlem of the West: Jazz, Bebop and Beatnik San Francisco’s Fillmore District 40s-50s
California African American Museum
September 24, 2009-January 10, 2010

After 1968: Contemporary Artists and the Civil Rights Legacy
California African American Museum
November 19, 2009-March 7, 2010

An Idea Called Tomorrow
California African American Museum
November 19, 2009-March 7, 2010

Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956-1968
Skirball Cultural Center
November 19, 2009-March 7, 2010

An Idea Called Tomorrow
Skirball Cultural Center
November 19, 2009-March 7, 2010

Breach of Peace: Photographs of Freedom Riders by Eric Etheridge
Skirball Cultural Center
November 19, 2009-May 9, 2010