CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (February 7, 2025) — The African American Museum of Iowa (AAMI) is pleased to announce that after a thorough and thoughtful selection process, Jacqueline Hunter has been chosen as the new Executive Director.
Hunter will begin her position on Monday, March 3.
Hunter brings a diverse range of experiences to the role. Previously, she served as the executive director of the Multicultural Family Center in Dubuque, providing strategic leadership and overseeing data-driven, high-performance programs. Hunter also has an extensive background in education, serving, at various times, as a high-school teacher, teacher-education professor, and an adjunct instructor of history. Currently, she serves as the AAMI’s Museum Educator and teaches a course on African American history with Kirkwood Community College. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Master’s degree in Social Science Education from Nova Southeastern University.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the African American Museum of Iowa, as their new Executive Director. My vision is to build upon the Museum's foundation in the preservation, exhibition, and teaching of the African American heritage of Iowa. I am committed to ensuring that our Museum remains a vibrant space where the stories of African American resilience, innovation, and triumph are honored and shared with all. To lead a team dedicated to protecting the legacy of Iowa’s African American communities, so that future generations recognize and appreciate their essential contributions to society.”
Hunter has served as the AAMI’s Museum Educator since August. During that time, she has spearheaded the introduction of many new programs and partnerships. Her First Saturdays programming introduced Coffee Conversations, an informal conversation about topics related to the Museum’s exhibits (8:30AM on the first Saturday of each month), as well as the “Life of an American Girl,” a new youth program bringing together history and play (10:30AM). Hunter also developed the “Not a Monolith” series, which explores various topics related to the diverse experiences and contributions of Black individuals and communities (4PM on the third Saturday of each month). These recurring programs will continue throughout 2025. Hunter has also developed a full slate of programming related to Black History Month. To learn more about all of these programs and events, visit blackiowa.org/events.
“We're elated to welcome Jacqueline Hunter as the new Executive Director of the African American Museum of Iowa. Her path from Museum Educator to this leadership role underscores her commitment to the mission of the organization. With Jacqueline at the helm, we're poised to enter an exciting new chapter, elevating the Museum’s impact and reaching new heights across our state,” said Abena Sankofa Imhotep, AAMI Board President.
Hunter will continue in her role as Museum Educator throughout the remainder of Black History Month. As such, she will not be available for interviews about her new position until after March 3. The AAMI is currently accepting applications for the Museum Educator position. Learn more about this position and other opportunities at blackiowa.org/careers.
The AAMI Board of Directors invites the public to join us in welcoming Hunter to her new role. All are invited to join us for a welcome reception at the AAMI (55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids) on Thursday, March 6, 4-6 PM.
About AAMI: The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American history. As Iowa’s leading educational resource on the topic, we educate more than 30,000 people each year through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.
