The Institute for the Preservation of African American Music was founded in 1990 by the late Dr.Verolga Nix, who was a music composer, director and teacher. At that time it was intended to develop a stronger awareness of and appreciation for the African American undocumented musical heritage. IPAAM operated as a non-profit organization until her death in 2014 and was resurrected in 2016. IPAAM has sponsored Black History themed programs throughout Philadelphia and the tri-state area museums, theaters, libraries, churches and various community venues. It continues to operate with the perspective that the all-encompassing forms of African American Art and its musical, cultural legacy must be available to all Americans. The history of African American music reveals the core of the existence and experience of its people.