Ralph Hunter

A first grade experience inspired Ralph Hunter to become involved in history by preserving and sharing it with audiences at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, located at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University.

When Ralph Hunter’s teacher read "Little Black Sambo" to his class, where he was one of four African Americans, he’d put his hands over his ears to block out the story. Then at recess, the students would call him Little Black Sambo.

“That was my introduction to "Little Black Sambo" and how people would treat you as an African American,” he said.

Many years later, he began collecting "Little Black Sambo" books and African American memorabilia, and today, his collection of thousands of pieces of history serves as a reminder of our past and asks viewers to question where we are today and where we are heading. 

 

---

This Voice was originally published in 2020. 

---

---