Chemical company gifts $500,000 to International African American Museum

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A North Charleston-based chemical manufacturing company has pledged $500,000 to the International African American Museum.

The donation from Ingevity, which develops and markets specialty chemicals, high-performance activated carbon and engineered polymers, will be gifted during a four-year period and support the museum’s operations.

“At Ingevity, we recognize the importance of taking an active role in addressing racial inequality, and we’re thrilled to support a cultural destination devoted to honoring the untold stories of African Americans,” Johnetta Greene, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Ingevity, said in a news release. “Partnering with the International African American Museum aligns with our dedication to ensuring diverse, equitable and inclusive outcomes for our employees and the communities where we operate. We hope that equipping visitors with this unique educational experience will help promote cultural awareness, expand the perspective of visitors and lead to a better future for all.”

The museum is set to open later this year at the site of Gadsden’s Wharf in downtown Charleston, where many slaves disembarked from Africa. The museum’s focus will be the cultural, social and economic impact of slavery in the Americas and the diverse journeys and achievements of slaves and their descendants.

“Ingevity is playing a key role in making sure that visitors to the museum will be able to learn and engage with the rich and complex history of the African American journey,” said Tonya Matthews, CEO and president of the International African American Museum. “Through their investment, countless individuals will gain a better understanding of the people and the cultures that have contributed so much to our world. We’re so grateful for their generosity and excited to be opening the museum late this year.”