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Current exhibitions in Southampton African American Museum
UPSTAIRS
DOWNSTAIRS
BOTH/AND: AN EXPLORATION OF THE IDENTITIES OF BEING BLACK AND A WOMAN IN THE UNITED STATES
DIGITAL TAPESTRY
AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
in Southampton African American Museum
May 17 - July 7
Courtney Minor
Doors Into My Life
UPCOMING EVENTS in Southampton African American Museum
June 14th
12Pm to 5pm
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
SAAM Juneteenth Celebration 2025
🗓 Saturday, June 14, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Southampton African American Museum
Join us at the Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) for our annual Juneteenth Celebration, honoring Black freedom, resilience, and cultural legacy through the power of music, performance, and storytelling. This year’s theme, “Music Matters,” celebrates the enduring role of music in African American history—from the Chitlin’ Circuit to gospel, blues, soul, and beyond.
Program Highlights
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Founder Brenda Simmons will open the celebration with a reflection on the cultural power of music and its historical ties to local venues like Fives, Cottage Inn, Pinckney’s, and Hotel James.
Performance by Certain Moves
Enjoy a dynamic musical set that honors the spirit and rhythm of Black musical expression.
Special Presentation by Ingrid Griffith
Award-winning actress and playwright Ingrid Griffith will embody political trailblazer Shirley Chisholm in “A Timeless Reminder: African Americans’ Fight for Representation in the Workplace.” This original piece traces the labor movement’s roots from slavery to the present and highlights the ongoing struggle for equity and dignity in labor.
Conversation with Filmmaker Joe Lauro
Join a powerful conversation with Joe Lauro, renowned music historian, filmmaker, and founder of Historic Films Archive, as he shares “The History of the Blues”—exploring how this genre helped shape American music, culture, and consciousness.
Live Performance by Antoine Hilton
Closing out the afternoon is award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Antoine Hilton, known for his soulful, message-driven music that uplifts, inspires, and challenges. Hilton’s latest single “GOD IS” and music from his acclaimed albums B.A.I.T. and Love & Repeat will be featured in a powerful performance you won’t want to miss.
June 15
FREE JUNETEENTH SCREENING!
Move Ya Body: The Birth of House (2025)
Kick off the week of Juneteenth with a lively tribute to house music and its impact on the African American community! The Playhouse joins forces with our friends from the Southampton African American Museum for a free screening of the new documentary Move Ya Body: The Birth of House Music, a fun and informative overview of the scene, and learn about its surprising connections to Southampton.
Acclaimed director Elegance Bratton (The Inspection) traces the roots of the house music scene from its early stirrings in Chicago in the late 1970s through its impact today. After the screening, we’ll be joined by special guests to discuss history of house music in the area, and welcome our guests to join us for a listening session in the lounge.
July 18-19
Art&Soul Hampton
In collaboration with Southampton Arts Center
Friday, July 18
Movie screening, food and music
Screening Nat Geo film Idris Elba is narrating and executive producing the National Geographic series “The Color of Victory: Heroes of WW2”. The new series is about people of color who fought during World War Two. Followed by a “Talk Back” – Emmy Award Producer Sean Johnson.
Saturday, July 19
ART & SOUL: Hamptons - ART WALK
Location: Southampton, NY
Join us for Art & Soul: Hamptons, a vibrant day-long celebration of Black art, culture, and community in the heart of the Hamptons. Hosted in collaboration with the Southampton African American Museum, the Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem NY, this immersive experience brings together local artistry, cultural storytelling, and summer elegance—all in one unforgettable day.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Art Walk
Explore three cultural landmarks in Southampton:
• Southampton African American Museum – 245 North Sea Rd
• Southampton Arts Center – 25 Jobs Lane
• Hidden Gem NY – 47 Jobs Lane, Suite B
A guided experience showcasing local art, history, and creative spaces.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Opening Art Exhibition Reception
Featuring acclaimed artist Shaunte’ Lewis – Award Winning Multidisciplinary Artist
Location: Southampton African American Museum
Celebrate the opening of this powerful exhibition with live art, music, and community connection.
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Closing Night Party
Wind down the day with a joyful evening on the SAAM Lawn, with music, dancing, and celebration under the stars.
Carribean cocktails sponsored by the NEW ENGLAND SWEETWATER FARM & DISTILLARY.
Afretparty with music vibes by DJ Infmatick.
Art & Soul: Hamptons is proudly supported by Suffolk County Economic Development and the participating cultural partners.
Don’t miss this inspiring day of art, culture, and community spirit!
SHAUNT’E LEWIS is an illustrator, designer, and fiber artist based in Indianapolis, known for her bold, vibrant, and inspiring creations. Through her artistic practice, Shaunt’e Lewis Art (SLA Studio), she brings visions to life with a unique blend of illustration, fiber art, and commercial design, offering services ranging from digital designs to murals and custom-made art pieces. Her work often features powerful female representation, clean lines, and dynamic use of color, aiming to empower and inspire.
In addition to her illustration and design work, Shaunt’e is a passionate fiber artist, creating intricate punch needle artworks that add a tactile, dimensional element to her artistic portfolio. This craft has led to exciting projects, including a recent commission to produce punch needle pieces for St. Vincent Women’s Hospital.
Shaunt’e’s artistic journey began in childhood but was briefly paused during a successful 15-year career as a hairstylist. In 2020, the pandemic reignited her passion for art, leading to a full-time transition into the art world in 2021. Since then, she has reached significant milestones, such as being featured on the cover of the New York Times art section, painting live at the Indy 500, and collaborating with major brands like West Elm, Makers Mark, Cricket Wireless, and the Pacers. Her work has also been featured in Complex Magazine and various local and national publications.
In 2024, Shaunt’e was honored with the Breakthrough Women Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter, for her contributions to Arts and Culture. This recognition reflects her dedication to using art as a means to uplift and empower others.
ARTIST OPENING RECEPTION at the Southampton African American Museum, celebrating artist in residency SHAUNT'E LEWIS
Saturday evening July 19,2025
Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Shaunt’e relocated to Indiana in 2011 and has since built strong connections within the community, including collaborations with Visit Indy and the Indy Chamber. As a multidisciplinary artist with background in entrepreneurship and a deep passion for both illustration and fiber art, Shaunt’e continues to expand her creative horizons while inspiring and engaging audiences through her diverse and empowering works.
SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE featuring YACOUBA SISSOKO, Master kora player and SIYA African Band
He devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony. Yacouba exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora—a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa.
FIRESIDE CHAT with Shaunt’e Lewis, moderated by Brenda Simmons.
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July 20
July Annual Fundraising Event
August
3rd Annual Amistad
Southampton African American Museum 2024 SCHeDULe
January
January 13, 2023
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Opening Reception: SAAM collabs with Bold Art Society to connect high school and proffesional artists for Black History Month
Reception Featuring artist Mayowa Nwadike and Students from The Bold Society organization
Executive Director: Frank Bold www.boldartsociety.org
January 20, 2023
Hamptons Civil Rights Back Story Cell Phone Tour Launch
February
February 7, 2024
Black Joy with Brenda Simmons & Dr. Georgette Grier-Key on Zoom
May
May 25, 2024
5pm to 7pm
Opening Reception
Mayowa Nwadike
“What Is, What Was and What Could Be”
Curated by Jomani Danielle
June
June 15, 2024
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Music by Mali Africa Master Kora player Yacouba Sissoko and his band SIYA Traditional Juneteenth Style BBQ
July
July 20, 2024
Opening Reception
Featuring Artist Alvin Clayton
July 25, 2024
Annual Founders Circle Fundraising
Southampton Inn
$150 general admission
$75 children (under 12)
$300 VIP
5:30 – 6pm VIP Reception
6 – 8pm Event
THE EVERYDAY PEOPLE CORNER
The Everyday People Corner is a monthly series highlighting individual residents of Southampton and the East End, including historical events, personal anecdotes and those kitchen table, barbershop and beauty shop stories. If you know of someone with wonderful memories; if you have a memory, a story about the ’Hood (from Da Hill to Azurest,) or the adventures of growing up on the East End; whether you are 30 generations of the land, migrated here for a new life, or came in the summers…. Let’s praise our everyday lives and everyday people!
Southampton African American Museum MISSION
To promote an understanding and appreciation of African American culture by creating programs that will preserve the past, encourage learning and enhance the life of the community. SAAM will research and collect local history, produce media events, create exhibits and community celebrations.
A BIT OF SAAM HISTORY
The Southampton African American Museum (SAAM) began in 2005 under the name The East End African American Museum and Center for Excellence. Until now, it has functioned as a virtual museum—hosting events and exhibits in public spaces throughout Southampton Village—most notably the Annual Southampton African American Film Festival. Our NEW home for SAAM is located at 245 North Sea Road in Southampton, NY. Affectionally called “The Barbershop," the building was a local gathering place for area African Americans from the 1940s until its closing. In 2010, the Village Historic Preservation Board designated it as the first African American historic landmark in the Village of Southampton, and the process was started to transform it into our permanent space.
TRANSFORMING A LANDMARK
We are so excited to finally have a home for our community and a place to showcase our exhibits and host events. See how 245 North Sea Road has evolved from a gathering place of the past to a destination for the future—step by step!
TREASURE THE PAST: PYRRHUS CONCER
Pyrrhus Concer was born on March 17, 1814 to an enslaved mother, Violet; following her status, he too became the property (whether technically a slave or an indentured servant) of his mother’s owner Captain Nathan Cooper in Southampton. Subsequently, Concer was sold to Mr. Elias Pelletreau II for the sum of $25.00. Five years old at the time of his sale, Concer had no choice regarding his transfer, leaving his mother behind when he was still a young child. Even after slavery ended in 1826, Pyrrhus Concer apparently remained in the Pelletreau household until he was about 26 years old.
SAAM is located at
245 North Sea Road
in Southampton, NY
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