By Associated Press - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Automaker BMW has donated $1 million for a historical African-American museum to be built on a wharf in South Carolina where about half of all enslaved Africans entered the U.S.

The gift brings the Charleston-based International African American Museum within $2 million of its $25 million private-fundraising goal, the museum said in a news release Monday.

BMW’s vehicle-assembly plant in Greer is one of the largest manufacturers in South Carolina. The German automaker is also a major customer of the Port of Charleston.

Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley has pushed for the museum since 2000 and said BMW’s gift is a sign of the project’s importance.

“You’ve got a great international company supporting this and recognizing the importance of the museum not only for Charleston and South Carolina but beyond,” Riley said Monday.

Riley has been pushing lawmakers to provide $5 million for the museum in this year’s state budget. The Senate approved the money in the version it sent to the House. Riley says he hopes House members will go along with the allocation.

The state has promised $25 million toward the $75 million museum. Lawmakers have provided $14 million so far. The city of Charleston and Charleston County are to provide the other $25 million.

Construction is to start late this summer, with an opening planned for early 2020.

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