“Ubuntu” is an African word that means: “I am who I am because of who we all are.” It highlights the fact that we are all interdependent. The Golden Rule is most familiar in the Western world as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
I am the executive director of the Southampton African American Museum, located at 245 North Sea Road here in the Village of Southampton. As some have observed, the progress of the former barbershop/beauty parlor/juke joint originally built in the 1940s by then-owner/builder/barber Emanuel Seymore, and last owned by Randy Conquest, is very soon to be completed.
The Southampton African American Museum is the only African American site to be historically designated in the Village of Southampton. And the only African American Museum in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
It’s been a long time coming, but, trust me, it will be an incredible establishment that we all can be proud of and enjoy.
So, due to COVID-19 challenges and restraints, we are scheduling our grand opening in the summer of 2021.
I would just like to take the time to thank the Town and Village of Southampton, State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., and Siamak Samii, our phenomenal architect, as well as Team SAAM (our board). I also would like to thank Fowler’s Garden Center (and “family”) for their generous donation of the beautiful sod that has totally beautified and enhanced the grounds of SAAM. Also, thanks to the Police Benevolent Association for their generous donation, which included the purchase of a beautiful bench installed by the village in honor of Emanuel Seymore and Randy Conquest. And thanks as well to so many others who have donated to our endeavors.
So if want to get in “good trouble,” get on board with us on this intriguing journey. You too can be a part of this exciting endeavor by going to our website to send your fully tax-deductible donation to: saamuseum.org/donate; or to SAAM, P.O. Box 2263, Southampton, NY, 11969. Thank you, and have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Brenda Simmons
Executive Director
Southampton African American Museum
Southampton Village
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