Michelle Charters appointed Head of International Slavery Museum
In a groundbreaking appointment, community activist Michelle Charters has made history by becoming the first Black woman to lead the International Slavery Museum, a significant institution dedicated to the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring legacies. Hailing from Liverpool, Michelle Charters is set to spearhead a £28 million transformation of the museum, evolving it from a gallery space into a global leader in comprehending the historical and contemporary impacts of slavery, shedding light on its continuing influence on the world.
A Remarkable Journey of Activism
Michelle Charters’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her advocacy work traces back to 1979, and for the past 17 years, she has served as the CEO of the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre in Toxteth, Liverpool. This multi-purpose center was the vision of the Liverpool Black Sisters, an organization established in the 1970s to combat discrimination against the Black community. She also holds the distinction of being the Founding Chair of the Merseyside Black History Month Group and the first Black woman appointed as a Trustee of the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres in Liverpool.
Notably, Michelle Charters has been an advocate for National Museums Liverpool for many years. Her connection to the cause began in 1994 when she was introduced to the Transatlantic Slavery Gallery at the Maritime Museum by the late Dorothy Kuya. Additionally, Michelle is a member of the RESPECT group, established in 2008 as a continuation of the Liverpool Slavery Remembrance Initiative Steering Group. For the past five years, she has held a position on National Museums Liverpool’s board as a trustee.
Michelle Charters explains her deep commitment: “When I first stepped into what was known then as the Transatlantic Slavery Gallery nearly 30 years ago, I committed to be part of a movement to learn, interpret, and share what we could about our ancestors’ pain and suffering. Ever since, I have used the anger and hurt that I felt when confronted by shackles and artefacts from Africa that had been stolen or purchased by slave merchants, to ensure that my ancestors, their journey, and our opportunity to tell the story was never forgotten.”
Paving the Way for Justice
Throughout her four-decade-long career, Michelle’s unwavering commitment has revolved around uncovering and promoting the truth of Black experiences, both historical and contemporary. Her goal has been to provide a platform for collective learning, sharing, and participation in the fight for justice. She shares her enthusiasm about leading the International Slavery Museum: “I am really excited to be joining such a forward-thinking organization, which is making huge strides towards having the most representative audience and colleague profiles in the UK’s museums sector.”
A Transformative Future
Supported by The National Heritage Lottery Fund, the transformation of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum, including the redevelopment of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. building, is set to create welcoming and thought-provoking spaces for education, exhibitions, discussion, and research. This redevelopment is part of the broader National Museums Liverpool Waterfront Transformation Project, which will seamlessly connect storytelling, heritage, community, and hospitality to enrich the visitor experience and act as a catalyst for social and environmental improvements in the area.
Words of Encouragement
Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool, lauds the appointment, saying, “Michelle has been connected to NML for many years, but now is a really exciting time for her to be joining us as the Head of the International Slavery Museum. She brings with her a wealth of experience and passion for the museum and shares the vision that we have for its transformation. Michelle has been part of the history of this museum for many years, and we can’t wait for her to be a part of its future.”
Michelle Charters will relinquish her roles as an NML trustee and the CEO of the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre to assume her new position in the coming year. This historic appointment marks a significant step forward in the journey of the International Slavery Museum, ensuring that the important work of understanding and addressing the legacy of slavery continues in the capable hands of Michelle Charters.
