The Jewel of the Delta: The Mound Bayou Museum of African American Culture and History
Speaker: Hermon Johnson Jr.

The Mound Bayou Museum of African American Culture and History in Mound Bayou, Mississippi is not a typical museum. It calls itself an "Exposeum," where history isn’t just displayed: it’s uncovered, it’s confronted, and it’s honored. Rooted in the legacy of Mound Bayou, a unique town founded by formerly enslaved people in 1887, this museum is an active space for revealing parts of Black history that have been hidden, distorted, or forgotten. The museum, and the town, are places where the stories are personal. From the radical economic insight of the town’s founders to the civil rights work of local leaders, each exhibit is designed to show that Black history is not a series of tragedies—it's legacy, it's resistance, it's joy, and it’s still happening.

Hermon Johnson, Jr. epitomizes unwavering dedication and visionary leadership in his mission to breathe life back into his cherished hometown, Mound Bayou MS. With an unshakeable belief in the town's potential, he fervently envisions Mound Bayou as the epicenter of African American enterprise and culture in the United States. Co-founding the Mound Bayou Movement in 2006, Johnson orchestrated a global network of companies and partners, propelling the dream of revitalization into reality.

At the heart of his achievements stands the impressive Mound Bayou Museum, a testament to Johnson's tireless efforts in preserving the rich African American heritage and Mississippi's history. His entrepreneurial journey has been marked by significant ventures, including the establishment of Amnitech Investments and Omnicast Corporation for the purpose of acquiring development property in the Mound Bayou area. Johnson's influence extended to purchasing and managing WRDC Radio Station in Boyle, Mississippi, and pioneering transportation businesses in Los Angeles, California.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Johnson finds fulfillment as a devoted family man, embracing the roles of a loving father to five children and a proud grandfather to two grandsons. His story resonates as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of passion, vision, and resilience.

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