TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Douglas Hewett, ICMA-CM, City Manager
FROM: Robert M. Van Geons, FCEDC & CDF
DATE: January 5, 2026
RE:Title
Receive Presentation Regarding Completed Study - Black Voices Museum Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
ALL
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Goal VI: Collaborative Citizen and Business Engagement
Executive Summary:
Mr. Robert Van Geons & Michael Gibson will introduce the Project team.
Presenters include:
Dr. Davu Evans, Associate Director for the Black History Museum Project
Mr. Bill Cassell, Project Coordinator for the Learning Together Company
Design team from Gensler Architecture, Design, and Planning (remotely)
Background:
In 2024, The City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County provided funding to begin a robust community engagement effort to understand the community’s interest in a Black Voices Museum. Envisioned as the centerpiece of a revitalized downtown in the heart of Fayetteville and a worldclass cultural destination. Over the past year, through the efforts of project volunteers and the professional services of consultants from Gensler and MBP, the CDF has advanced the approved scope of work for the Black Voices Museum Project (BVM).
Effectively engaging the community to solicit insights, ideas, and recommendations, the BVM team has:
• Conducted personal interviews and stakeholder meetings with individuals, institutions, and potential funders
• Launched a dedicated project website www.blackvoicesmuseum.com
• Continued to gather feedback through a Community Survey
• Hosted three community input sessions with a combined attendance of 60 attendees
• Developed preliminary renderings based on the input received, which are now complete and ready for presentation
• Promoted the project at events including the MLK Breakfast, Umoja Kwanzaa Celebration, Dogwood Festival, and more.
• Hosted a Community Conversation that shared renderings, concepts, and programing recommendations
The Black Voices Museum is designed to be more than a space to explore history - but also a dynamic center for learning and forward-thinking dialogue. Through immersive storytelling, cutting-edge exhibitions, learning spaces, and educational programming focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, BVM will also equip future generations with the tools to imagine limitless attainment, building a more equitable future.
The Project Team looks forward to sharing the results of their work as well as proposed next steps. We are grateful for the City’s support of this effort.
Issues/Analysis:
Budget Impact:
None at this time.
Options:
For presentation only
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
For information only.
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Attachments:
Black Voices Museum Presentation