EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL EVENTS
Legacy in Motion Sankofa Experience
Are you ready for a show of a lifetime?
Join us at Roots 101 African American Museum for an unforgettable cultural journey through music, storytelling, spoken word, and performance that honors the voices of our ancestors.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres included with ticket purchase
Event Schedule
Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 2 PM CANCELED
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2 PM FREE to public
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 2 PM
Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 2 PM
Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 2 PM
Book Discussion for Moms
Moms, this one’s for you! 💕 Join us at Roots 101 on Oct. 29 at 5 PM for a thoughtful discussion with author Dr. Nikki Lanier about her inspiring book UnCommon Ground. Let’s talk about how we can help our kids embrace and thrive in a multicultural world.
Get On The Bus - Day trip to Uncle Nearest Distillery
Get on the bus!
Join Roots 101 for an unforgettable day trip to the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, TN on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Pick-up Time: 6:45 AM
Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours each way
Tour Length: 1.5 hours (includes a ½-mile walk)
Food: Reservations will be made in advance; all guests will purchase their own meals.
Cost: $101 per person — includes transportation and whiskey tasting.
Final details, including pick-up location and itinerary, will be emailed after ticket purchase.
Let’s celebrate history, culture, and the legacy of Uncle Nearest together!
RootED Futures: Math, Money and Media Mastery Programs
Empowering the next generation!
Join us for RootED Futures: M3 Math, Money & Media Mastery Program starting September 13th at Roots 101, then biweekly. Designed for ages 14–18 to build math, financial & digital literacy skills. Let's shape futures together! #Roots101 #YouthEmpowerment #M3Mastery"
Butch Mosby National Chess Day Classic
Join us for the Butch Mosby National Chess Day Classic at Roots 101 African American Museum!
📍 124 N 1st St, Louisville, KY 40202
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
🕥 Registration: 10:30 AM | ♟ First Round: 11 AM
💰 $7 per team | Bughouse Chess starts at 1 PM (32 team spots available)
🏆 Prizes: 1st $650 | 2nd $400 | 3rd $300 | 4th $100 (based on 32 full team entries)
Teams must pre-register by October 4, 2025.
Email Coach Corbin at urbanlouisvillechess@yahoo.com | PayPal: @Kentuckychess
Sarah Seavers Chess Camp
Checkmate your summer goals! ♟ Join us at Roots 101 on August 23rd for the Sarah Seavers Chess Camp, inspiring women and girls to thrive in chess and beyond. Learn, play, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the global chess community!
Wealth building and society workshop
Wealth Building & Security Workshop — Your Legacy Starts Here!
Join us for a powerful, FREE workshop designed to equip you with strategies for lasting financial success. Our panel of professionals will break down tools to grow, protect, and pass on your wealth.
Topics We’ll Cover:
Using Life Insurance to Build Wealth
Debt Resolution Strategies
Financial Security Planning
Creating a Legacy for the Next Generation
When: Wednesday, August 20
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Roots 101 AAM – 124 N 1st St, Louisville, KY 40202
Why Attend?
Learn from experts passionate about helping YOU thrive
Get practical, real-world financial strategies
Network with like-minded professionals
Exclusive Book Signing
Exclusive Book Signing at Roots 101!
Join us August 16th from 2–4 PM for a powerful afternoon with James L. Marshall, Jr., author of The HiVE™: Multi-Generational Wealth Building Strategy.
Lamont Collins Speaking Engagement
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as Lamont Collins, Founder and CEO of Roots 101 African American Museum, shares powerful truths and untold history at the Evansville African American Museum on Saturday, August 9.
Doors open at 3:30 PM | Program: 4:00–5:30 PM
“We are descendants of Kings and Queens that were enslaved in America.”
This free event is limited to 50 participants—register today to be part of this inspiring journey of heritage and identity.
Rooted In Care: An After School summit
Join us on August 9th from 12–5 PM at Roots 101 for a free, family-friendly event celebrating Black hair, health, and heritage!
Cultural Pass
Stop by the free public library or download the app to get your cultural pass today, and don’t forget to add Roots 101 to your list of fun! Please visit our website for museum hours.
State Of The People Tour Lamont Collins as panel guest
The State of the People Power Tour is coming to Louisville, KY this June at the historic Simmons College of Kentucky. Join this national movement rooted in healing, strategy, and self-determination on:
• Monday, June 2, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday, June 3, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Don’t miss the State of the People Rally
Monday, June 3, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This multi-city tour brings together organizers, educators, and community voices to build a future grounded in love, liberation, and lasting power.
Emory Tate Chess Classic
Join us for The Emory Tate Chess Classic at Roots 101!
📅 April 26, 2025
📍 124 N. First Street
🕥 Registration: 10:30 AM | 🕚 First Round: 11:15 AM
🏆 Sections: K/5, K/7, K/9, Quads, Round Robin - 3 Rounds at G/25
🎖️ Team trophies and $200 Chess Dollars for solving puzzles!
🍽️ Lunch provided | 💲 Entry Donation: $7
📧 For more info or to pre-register, contact Coach Corbin at urbanlouisvillechess@yahoo.com.
Our Salute to Black Horsemen
Join us for a powerful evening of celebration and history at Roots 101 African American Museum as we honor the legacy of Black horsemen in the thoroughbred racing industry.
This event will feature special guests Terry Thomas and Wallace Howard—two trailblazing historians whose work has helped preserve and elevate the stories of African Americans in horse racing.
Enjoy an inspiring night filled with:
🎷 An unforgettable Sankofa Experience
🍽️ Delicious Food
🥂 Cash Bar
📚 Rich History
Come and experience the untold stories that helped shape the racing world, in a space dedicated to honoring Black excellence and heritage.
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 Location: Roots 101 African American Museum
💵 Ticket Price: $45
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-salute-to-black-horsemen-tickets-1316513400019?aff=oddtdtcreator
Space is limited—get your tickets today and be part of this unforgettable tribute!
Black Men's Mental Health Symposium
Join us at the Black Men's Mental Health Symposium on Saturday, April 19, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at Roots 101 African American Museum (124 N. 1st St.). We're calling 100 Black men to participate in breaking generational curses for improved mental health. Topics include childhood experiences, depression, mental illness, trauma, violence impact, and wellness.
This free event requires registration. RSVP to ricky.owens@louisvilleky.gov or call 502-313-4700.
Liberation Bowl
Calling All Middle School & College Students!
Are you ready to show off your knowledge of Black history and culture? Join us for the Black History Liberation Bowl – a Friday Quick Recall Competition happening February 28 at Roots 101 African American Museum!
Black Boy Joy Photoshoot
Calling all Black men and boys! 📸 Let’s come together to showcase our unity, love, and joy for the community. Join us for a powerful photo shoot alongside the amazing boys of the Black Boy Joy Club!
Alaska Williams Book Signing
📚✨ Exciting News! ✨📚
Join us at Roots 101 on February 20, 2025, for a special book signing event with Alaska Williams, aka Daddy’O!
Growing up in Georgetown, a vibrant Black community in Harlan, Kentucky, Daddy’O’s journey began in the coal camp of Verda before moving to Georgetown in the summer of 1954. From his early days as a Harlan Daily Enterprise paper boy, he chronicled life and experiences that now come alive through his stories.
📅 When: February 20, 2025
📍 Where: Roots 101 African American Museum
Come celebrate his incredible storytelling and connect with the rich history of Harlan. Don’t miss the chance to meet Daddy’O and get your copy signed!
Battle For The Lantern
Come witness the Third Annual Black History Month challenge between Grace James Academy and W.E.B Dubois Academy!
Louisville Kwanza Festival
On December 29, 2024, this event will center around building economics and solidarity. It will showcase a vendor market of local black-owned businesses and artists alongside a fashion show that celebrates self-expression as a form of community resilience.
On December 30, 2024, we will offer participants workshops and intimate discussions that nurture the inner child, encourage self-love, and foster a deep personal connection.
Roots 101 Christmas Photoshoot Special
🎅🏾 Sir Sant Applause is back at Roots 101 African American Museum for the holidays, and you don’t want to miss it!
📸 Schedule your $35 photo session:
Monday, the 16th: 3-6 PM
Tuesday, the 17th: 4-7 PM
Wednesday, the 18th: 4-9 PM
Thursday, the 19th: 10 AM-4 PM
Friday, the 20th: 2-6 PM
Don’t miss your chance to capture the holiday magic! 🎄👏🏾
To schedule booking please call or text 502.315.9288
FREE Sankofa Experience at Roots 101 AAm
Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will light up your soul and inspire your spirit! We are thrilled to invite you to our FREE monthly Sankofa performances, happening each month until the end of the year.
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 12 PM
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 12 PM
Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2 PM
Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2 PM
We sincerely thank The Community Foundation of Louisville for providing free Sankofa experiences to the community.
Grace James Academy and W.E.B. DuBois Academy Cotillion
Our in-person event promises to be a night to remember. Witness the remarkable talent and charisma of our young ladies & gentlemen as they showcase their achievements and growth throughout their academic journey. From their captivating attire, to their impressive performances, these young kings & queens will leave you inspired and proud.
Roots 101 African American Museum Events - 1 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Louisville's Gospel Music History
Louisville’s Gospel Music History: Panel Discussion with Authors of “I’m Glad About It.”
This Free community, event will be hosted by the Louisville Story Program and Roots 101 African American Museum.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Roots 101 African American Museum
124 N. First Street, Lousiville, KY 40202
To learn more about the project, “I’m Glad About It: The Legacy of Gospel Music in Louisville. 1958-1891” at www.louisvillestoryprogram.org
Letters with Santa
Celebrate the holiday season with us at Roots 101 from November 22-25! Bring the whole family for a festive photo with Santa and enjoy a memorable experience filled with Storytime, photos, milk and cookies, toy giveaways, and more. Don’t miss out on this magical holiday event.
Session 1 - 11 AM - 12 PM
Session 2 - 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Session 3 - 2 PM - 3 PM
Session 4 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Please call 812- 207-3433 for booking
Admission $30
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Preview Event for National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. at Roots 101 Museum in Louisville https://t.co/JxiP76vqZo -
"We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my hum… https://t.co/z4pFiQeQJL
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RT @SChaleunphonh: @roots101AAM African American Museum is a gem in downtown Louisville. Founder Lamont Collins adds new exhibits and… https://t.co/wFfUiBWFiX