Jarvis Harris and Joe Foss are telling local audiences about their five-week, 4,600-mile tour of Black historical sites across the United States last fall. For additional insights into their journey and anti-racist work, please visit their website, AcceptingOthers.com.
Atlanta is rich with Black history, but rather than overloading our schedule, we let each day unfold naturally.
On Tuesday morning, we found the African-American Panoramic Experience (APEX) online and decided to visit since it was within walking distance.
After breakfast, we headed over, unaware that we were in for an unexpected treat. The APEX is a small, boutique museum, but the warmth of its staff made a big impression. As soon as we entered, we were welcomed and shown a series of educational videos on Black history before exploring the exhibits.
Since we were the day's first visitors, the two women working there took time to engage with us. When they learned about our extensive Black history journey by rail, they were eager to share their insights.
Joe: One quote on the wall stood out to me:
“Whatever you do … Never let them begin our history with slavery.”
That statement really hit me. Up until that moment, I hadn’t fully grasped how often Black history is framed through the lens of slavery, rather than beginning with the rich cultures, civilizations and achievements of Africa.
It also made me realize how little I had considered Black history beyond the U.S. That single quote broadened my perspective in a way I’m still carrying with me.
Jarvis: Looking at the APEX museum from the outside, I got the impression it was going to be no big deal, but oh boy! When you enter, it’s fascinating. The first video they direct you to is very informative, combining civil rights, famous African Americans and historic events.
The idea of not starting the African American story with slavery is not new, but not always talked about.
Growing up, I was taught that Africans were “savages” before being enslaved — that they were unlearned, primitive and in need of “civilization.” That false narrative fueled so many harmful stereotypes.
But the Apex Museum tells a different story, one that starts in Africa, highlighting powerful kingdoms, structured governments, skilled farmers and thriving communities. It was refreshing to see history presented this way.
The museum was thoughtfully designed, making it easy to absorb, and knowing that its founder was from Atlanta gave it an even more personal feel.
We had wanted to visit a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) on this journey, so that same afternoon, we went to Morehouse College to see if we could get a tour there.
Again, God continued to bless our steps as we walked in unannounced, without reservations, and a great young man, who was a student there, gave us a personal tour of their beautiful campus.
Jarvis: We ended up walking from Morehouse back to our motel. If you’re not in fairly good shape, I wouldn’t recommend it. Being transparent, Joe and I probably would have made other arrangements on parts of our trip, but it was fun and we learned lots. After checking, we realized the trip from Morehouse College was 4.5 miles
Tomorrow, we’re back on Amtrak, heading to Tuscaloosa!
Jarvis Harris, of Lacey, is a retired U.S. Army veteran and former Pierce County corrections officer who now dedicates his time to personal passions and volunteering. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he settled in Lacey during his Army service.
Joe Foss, of Tacoma, is a Navy veteran and retired business owner who has been actively engaged in projects addressing racism in America since 2012.
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Snevets
Thank you for my morning of coffee with Jarvis and Joe! So much to do in Atlanta and you sharing just a few of its gems is truly inspiring. It's been years since I was in Tuscaloosa so I look forward to the next chapter.
Thursday, February 13 Report this