KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials with the Kalamazoo Black History Museum received good news in August.
The Internal Revenue Service notified the museum that it was awarded non-profit status on Thursday, August 31 .
Reverend William Stein, co-founder and chairman of the museum, said that the announcement was welcome news, and allows the museum board to seek large donations for the project.
“The Kalamazoo Black History Museum Board of Directors is ecstatic by this news and thank the IRS for formally recognizing our nonprofit corporation as a federally tax-exempt entity,” said Reverend Stein
A goal of 30 million dollars has been set to “include property acquisition, construction and/or rehabilitation of an existing building, purchasing and receiving donated memorabilia, office equipment, exhibits, and creating a soul food café for starters”.
Stein went onto say that he and his board can now focus on securing large donations from individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and government organizations.
In February of this year, a press conference was held in Kalamazoo to publicly launch their efforts to create a uniquely African American museum to teach all races about the Black diaspora.
The organization set a goal of opening its Black history museum on June 19 (Juneteenth) of 2024.
“Some of our detractors believe that this is an ambitious goal,” said Stein. “However, our project launch is actually on schedule. We are confident and prayerful that Kalamazoo County citizens and businesses will embrace our new tourist attraction with open arms.”
For more information, or to contribute, go to: www.kalamazooblackhistorymuseum.org.
Comments