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New museum highlighting African American art could be coming to Tampa

Posted at 7:41 PM, May 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-17 02:08:40-04

TAMPA — Cam Parker's childhood passion turned into a paying job. 

"It's what I do. It's what I asked for and what I prayed for," said Parker. "It's really humbling and I take it very seriously."

The artist has gotten a lot of gigs. Currently he is doing a job for the new SOHO Juice Company on Bay to Bay Boulevard. 

One of his most talked about works is his Lady Gaga muralnear downtown Tampa. But the only way to enjoy his art right now is driving by or walking into a business. That could change! 

"Yes! Bring me on! Sign me up," said Parker, reacting to news the county commission is taking a first step in considering a museum highlighting African American art.

"I think it's long overdue," said Parker.

Tampa had one in the 80's but it's long gone. Commissioner Les Miller wants to bring it back.

Miller told Action News the board okayed the vetting process. They are researching these three key questions:

Is there city or county land available? What's the timeline for completion? And where will the funds come from? 

Right now Miller said he can't even guess the cost.

"I'm not going to say if it happens, I'm going to say when it happens it will be celebrated. And I think it'll be welcomed by everybody," said Parker.

The manager at the juice bar certainly agrees.

"That's amazing, that would be an awesome thing! Just an awesome add-on to Tampa," said Melissa Andrade.

Parker, like Miller, feels a new museum will give Tampa more recognition. 

Parker won't have to wait long to see if this comes to fruition. The board plans on meeting in 30 days, and pending the answers to those three questions, Tampa could soon have a new addition to its skyline.