African Textile Museum opens at New Birth campus, museum’s founder Queen Ahneva Hilson honored

STONECREST, GA— New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr.  Jamal Harrison Bryant welcomed a host of special guests to the unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony of “The Cameroonian Experience” African Textile Museum on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024.

The museum, located on the New Birth campus at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in the city of Stonecrest, features extraordinary African textiles and artifacts that showcase the national historic and modern textiles of the Republic of Cameroon. The museum was founded by Queen Ahneva Hilson, who was honored with the nation’s highest award for community service during the celebration.

“New Birth is beyond grateful for partnerships that help illuminate our rich legacy, global influence and uncompromised creativity,” said Dr. Bryant. “We are intentionally creating a celebration of Black and African history and culture 365 days a year and I am thankful to Queen Ahneva Hilson for her vision and diligence in making this idea a reality for the community to enjoy.”

During a private reception, delegates from the Republic of Cameroon and Dr. Bryant honored Hilson,  presenting her with the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of over 12,000 hours of service for volunteerism in the community. The letter of award, signed by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., recognized Hilson for her lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation for volunteer service.

Hilson said she hopes to continue building a better community by sharing the African Textile Museum with the multitudes.

“Our incredible legacy dates back centuries and is uniquely woven in an amazing tapestry of our legacy, culture, fashion and art,” said Hilson. “In curating this experience, I wanted to capture the essence of a significant piece of Black history that is often lost, overlooked or underappreciated here in America. What better time to celebrate our undeniable talents and history than by highlighting historic and modern textiles and fashions from five regions of Cameroon.”

Curated by Thierry Konguep, the exhibit is the first of several installments planned for the public to learn about African culture and the global African diaspora, Hilson said. Some of the creations displayed in the opening exhibit include banana and coconut leaves as well as textiles crafted from mud bark and various sustainable materials, all meticulously handmade, said Hilson.

The museum is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon until 6 p.m. Arrange for a private tour of the African Textile Museum exhibits by calling 1-770-608-2514 or booking online at www.africantextilemuseum.org.