NMAAM GETS A $1M DELIVERY FROM AMAZON

Amazon has donated $1 million to the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. The announcement follows the news that the museum will have its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on MLK Day, Monday, 1/18, with galleries opening to the public later in the month. Amazon will be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The gift will sponsor several initiatives at the museum, including “A Soundtrack for All: Amazon STEAM Days,” which will support local schools’ field trips to the museum; the company will also sponsor the museum’s Best of Theater. Amazon said it hopes to foster a collaborative musical learning environment through a co-written curriculum and other initiatives that involve the greater community.

“Amazon’s gracious contribution to the museum is an investment not only in our mission but also in the Greater Nashville music community,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, President/CEO of NMAAM. “The museum tells a story that is meant to be experienced, not just learned, and it is through partnerships like these that we are able to provide that to our patrons.”

“We are excited and grateful that Amazon has embraced the Nashville community and is committed to expanding opportunities and access for our students,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “Understanding and experiencing the deep cultural impact of African Americans on all genres of music through NMAAM will surely enrich the education and lives of our students.”

According to VP of Amazon Transportation Services David Bozeman, "The partnership will mean more young people and students can access the museum and additional educational enrichment. The intersection of the creative class of musicians with science and technology will continue to give all Nashvillians an amazing opportunity to learn and educate.”

Added Courtney Ross, Amazon’s Sr. Manager of External Affairs in Nashville, “There is a rich tapestry of stories to be told within the walls of NMAAM, and the museum does an extraordinary job of making them vibrant and accessible. We are excited to play a part in bringing them to life and contributing to the music education of the Nashville community.”