On the vibrant Saturday of November 18th, 2023, a momentous occasion unfolded at Bed Stuy Restoration Plaza (BSRP) in Bed Stuy, drawing together around 100 individuals to partake in a celebration marking a pivotal moment in the history of Bed Stuy – the grand opening of the Cultural Museum of African Art Eric Edwards Collection (CMAAEEC).

At the helm of this extraordinary endeavor is Eric Edwards, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of the Cultural Museum of African Art (CMAA). Over the span of 50 years, Edwards, an avid African Art collector, meticulously curated a staggering collection of over 3,000 art pieces, encapsulating 4,000 years of African history. This diverse array of artifacts represents each of the 54 countries on the African continent. What was once a personal collection housed in Edwards’ Bed Stuy apartment has now been transformed into a museum of profound significance, with an estimated value of approximately $10 million. The Cultural Museum of African Art, a testament to Edwards’ dedication and passion, is now open to the public at Bed Stuy Restoration Plaza, poised to become a cornerstone of cultural exploration and appreciation.