New Automotive Hall of Fame exhibit to recognize African American contributions to industry

Over the past year, the Automotive Hall of Fame established a diversity, equity and inclusion committee, led by board member Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a priority for the Automotive Hall of Fame. Not just as it relates to inductees but on our board, in our staff, and in the programming we create,” Jackson said in a release.

“I won’t pretend that we’re proud of our past around diversity, but what I can assure you is that the way forward will be starkly different. This initiative is just an exciting first step of many demonstrating the organization’s commitment to ensure people of color are properly represented as part of the fabric of the automotive industry.”

General Motors, whose vice president of corporate giving, Terry Rhadigan, serves on the museum’s board, made a $500,000 grant to the museum to support development of the new exhibit and educational program, “Black Innovation, Invention, and Leadership in Mobility,” over a one-year period. The museum is looking to launch the new exhibit and related digital content in February 2023.

“AHF’s efforts to create and share knowledge will spark social change through general education and promote new learning and career opportunities for our next generation of mobility leaders and influencers,” Rhadigan said in the release.