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photo by steed media service |
VP of Planning and Institutional Relations, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Since joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum two years ago, Dr. Jackie Chisholm has stood alone as the prestigious institution’s only African American female vice president. For 17 years, Chisholm made a career in higher education, working as a liaison between various groups in the community and the institution. After arriving in the historic halls of the world-famous building, Chisholm was immediately struck by her new environment.
“There are six VPs and I had never been in a situation like that before, so it took me a while to figure out how [to] operate in an environment where [I was] the only female and African American at the table,” says Chisholm.
As the vice president of planning and institutional relations, Chisholm is responsible for strategic planning, government affairs and community outreach initiatives. She is also directing the Rock Hall’s $13 million Library and Archives construction project. Chisholm, who has a bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D., in anthropology, says her studies have helped her enormously in handling her job.
“Everything I learned as a cultural anthropologist I use in this setting to work with people,” she says. “… I love building things. I’m a very good foundation builder, so if it’s never been done — you really want me at the table.”
An avid fan of Earth, Wind & Fire, Chisholm says that beyond meeting some of her musical idols, imparting knowledge about rock ‘n’ roll history drives her. “Most people aren’t aware that the Rock Hall celebrates the musical genres of blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, and country [and] western as the roots of rock and roll. Three of the four are clearly associated with our history as a people in the United States,” she says. “The foundation of rock and roll music is really in the black experience.” – gavin philip godfrey
