With the neighborhood residents and city government on board, Ewarton announced the details for the Stax Museum and Music Academy at LeMoyne - Owen College on February 9, 2000. In addition to the building and an interpretive plan for the museum, Ewarton announced it secured $5 million dollars from private donors in addition to the $2.5 million dollar commitment from the city. Additionally, the announcement included the membership of its newly formed board of directors, which consisted of board chairman Andy Cates, Stanley Cates, Charles Ewing, George Johnson of LeMoyne - Owen College, Sherman Wimott, and Deanie Parker, who soon became Ewarton’s full-time president. Parker stated, “We ought to create a showcase where musical giants can be
