Dear AAAM Family,
With a broken heart, I share that Dr. John E. Fleming passed away on September 12, 2025. Our field has lost a giant; it is difficult to name a museum—large or small—that did not call on Dr. Fleming at a pivotal moment in its founding or growth.
I often teased him with titles like the “Godfather of Museums” or the G.O.A.T. He would respond with a gentle, “Oh, really?”—ever humble, even as we all knew the truth of his greatness. As President of the African American Museums Association (AAMA), he cast a vision that elevated our Association to new heights and helped shepherd its renewal to the Association of African American Museums (AAAM). He took deep pride not only in AAAM’s legacy but in you, our members.
Dr. Fleming and I often reflected on our shared academic roots at Howard University, where we both earned the M.A.and Ph.D. in History. He spoke about how those formative years—and his service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi—shaped his discipline, purpose, and global perspective. He later served as a senior fellow at Howard’s Institute for the Study of Educational Policy.
His leadership reshaped the museum landscape: Director of the National Afro-American Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio; leadership at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Museum Center in Cincinnati; Director in Residence of the National Museum of African American Music, Nashville, TN; founding leadership at the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC; and Senior Historian for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Nationally, he served as President of the Ohio Museums Association, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the Association of African American Museums (AAAM), and the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the planning commission for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. His distinguished service was recognized by AAAM, the Ohio Library Association, Berea College, AASLH, the Association of Midwest Museums, and the National Peace Corps…to name a few.
What defined Dr. Fleming was not only the scale of his accomplishments but the way he carried them—listening first, advising with clarity, and insisting on a standard of excellence that he both encouraged and expected, modeled daily in his work. Dr. Fleming showed us how to be passionately devoted to this work while staying grounded in love for our families. We know there were many sleepless nights as he poured himself into our field. We would be remiss if we did not say how profoundly grateful we are to the Fleming Family for sharing him with us.
A tribute from Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III
“I have known John since the early 1980s and there has never been a finer historian or a kinder, more caring human being. John was always a beacon of what could be accomplished by using history to inspire a nation to fight for fairness. Throughout my career, John always supported and encouraged me. Just recently he sent me an email offering his support and guidance as I lead the Smithsonian through this challenging environment. I take solace in a life well lived. John Fleming made us all better.”
Reflection from Tamar Smithers, Interim Chair, AAAM
“Dr. Fleming embodied what it means to pour into our field—and into us—as museum professionals. He loved us, and we loved him. On my first day at the National Museum of African American Music, I found a voicemail from Dr. Fleming welcoming me to the team. From that moment, working alongside him in Nashville, I knew I was in the presence of a generous mentor and visionary colleague. I learned so much from him, and I’m grateful for every lesson and every laugh we shared.
As he joins our ancestors, it is our turn to carry the torch—fighting for and serving our field and Black institutions with the same fearless resolve, care, and excellence he modeled. Thank you, Dr. Fleming, for your leadership, resilience, and love. Rest well—until we meet again. I lift his family in prayer as they navigate this difficult time.”
Reflection from Omar Eaton-Martínez, Immediate Past-Chair, AAAM
“Dr. John Fleming was the quiet architect behind so many of our institutions and the generous mentor behind so many of our careers. He met power with principle, insisted on excellence, and made room for emerging leaders to stand a little taller. I am one of many he lifted. On a personal note, he inspired me to make sure that our work helps us see the humanity in each other. We honor him now by doing the work as he did—with rigor, humility, and love for our people and our museums.”
We also invite the AAAM Family to share reflections on Dr. John E. Fleming—memories, photographs, and words of condolence. Your words will honor his remarkable contributions.
Dr. Fleming will be sorely missed. As long as we have breath, we will carry the torch he lit—preserving truth, advancing excellence, and preparing the next generation to lead. As Maya Angelou reminded us, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” In Dr. Fleming’s case, we will never forget what he said, what he did, and how he made us feel: seen, capable, and called to do our very best.
We will share information regarding services and tributes as it becomes available. Please hold the Fleming Family in your hearts, and honor Dr. Fleming’s legacy by continuing the work to which he devoted his life.
With love, gratitude, and deepest respect,
Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson
President & CEO
Association of African American Museums (AAAM)