We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryan Pierce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryan, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson that I have learned working in the museum field is that everyone’s voice/story matters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the current Chief Curator of the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) located in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Black music in America. NMAAM’s mission is to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. I previously held the position of Digital Archivist at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. In both my academic work and as a museum professional, I specialized in subterranean African American aesthetics in music and decorative arts. That often sets me apart. I became the curator at NMAAM in 2022. However, I have been working in museums, libraries, and performance spaces since 2004. My path has been enjoyable, but not exactly easy. Oftentimes positions in the humanities do not pay very well. The fact that I was doing work that I found to be important motivated me to overcome those financial compromises.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Beyond traveling through Phenix, I have not spent a significant amount of time in the city. In Nashville, I would take them to a venue called DRKMTTR Collective. It is an awesome little venue that specializes in underground music and art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Although it may seem cliche, I would have to acknowledge my parents (James and Geneva). They have always been so supportive of me from undergrad through my PhD program; without their moral support, I do not know if I would have made it. Although my path has not been conventional, it motivates me to know that I am making them proud with some of my professional achievements.

Website: https://www.nmaam.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenmaam/?hl=en

Image Credits
353 Media

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