Roots 101 Founder sparks reflection and unity in Evansville

By Floyd Edwards

The chant rang out with conviction: “Whose house? Our house! Whose house? Our house!” It was the rallying cry of Mr. Lamont Collins, CEO and Director of the Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville, KY, as he brought his electrifying presentation to the Evansville African American Museum on August 9, 2025.

Sponsored by a collaborative effort between All Saints Catholic Parish and Mt. Olive Galilee Church, the event drew more than 50 residents from across the region. Attendees gathered to hear Collins share the remarkable origin story of Roots 101—a museum dedicated to promoting understanding and inspiring appreciation for the achievements, contributions, and lived experiences of African Americans.

Collins opened with a powerful declaration:
“We are descendants of Kings and Queens who were enslaved in America.”
From that moment on, the evening unfolded as a tapestry of history, emotion, and challenge.

He recounted how his passion for historical artifacts was sparked by a gift from his mother—an autographed photo of Muhammad Ali. That gesture planted a seed that grew into a calling, eventually manifesting as a two-story museum overflowing with authentic items: African carvings, royal jewelry, cultural art, and the brutal instruments of bondage.

His presentation was rich with humor, insight, and sobering truths. Collins described how African kings revered their queens, placing them physically above them on thrones, and illustrated the unity of African societies through vibrant images of art and craftsmanship. He emphasized that those who survived the Middle Passage were not broken people, but the strongest of the strong—highly skilled individuals who learned new languages and dialects even while shackled aboard slave ships.

One of the most haunting moments came when Collins displayed a photo of a statue depicting enslaved Africans—children and a pregnant woman—chained together, burdened with roughly 45 pounds of iron. He explained that some Africans were coerced into aiding enslavers, a painful truth reflected in the artifact’s imagery.

To make history tangible, Collins brought with him actual chains from the 1800s used to restrain enslaved people. He invited attendees to physically experience the weight and emotional gravity of being shackled.

Among those who accepted the invitation was Sondra Matthews, founder of the Evansville African American Museum. As she wore the heavy iron shackles, she offered a solemn reflection:
“The weight is unbearable—but not nearly as heavy as the history it carries.”

The evening closed not in silence, but in solidarity. Collins’ message was clear: history must be remembered, honored, and felt. Through museums like Roots 101 and gatherings like this one, legacy lives on—not in textbooks alone, but in hearts, hands, and voices.

For more on the Roots 101 Museum and its mission, visit www.roots-101.org.