Why Supporting African American History Museums is Essential for Our Future

It’s the fourth day of Black History Month, and I’m already a day behind folks! But I will be blogging for the entire month. I’m excited to share my latest topic. Let’s talk about museums!

In the United States, African American history is rich, powerful, and integral to the nation's fabric. From the trials of enslavement to the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, Black history is a story of resilience and a testament to the contributions that have shaped the country. One of the most powerful ways to honor this history, learn about our collective past, and inspire future generations is through supporting museums dedicated to African American culture and history.

These institutions not only preserve artifacts and stories often overlooked by mainstream narratives but also provide spaces for education, reflection, and empowerment. Supporting these museums, especially as members or through visits, is a powerful way to ensure that the legacy of Black people is honored and that our stories are told on our terms.

Here are ten museums across the United States that serve as beacons of African American history and culture. By supporting them, Black people can keep these stories alive, continue to educate future generations and ensure the next generation of African Americans has access to their rich heritage.

1.    National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)

Location: Washington, D.C.

Founded: 2016

National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) - Washington, DC

Website: www.nmaahc.si.edu

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of the most visited museums in the country. This Smithsonian Institution is dedicated to exploring, documenting, and celebrating the history of African Americans. From the horrors of slavery to the victories of Black Americans in the fight for justice, the museum’s vast collection includes everything from historical artifacts to pop culture memorabilia. With over 40,000 objects, it is a must-see and a place where every Black American seeking to understand their history should be supported.

2.    Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Founded: 1965

Website: www.thewright.org

As the world’s largest African American history museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum is a key institution for preserving African American culture. It features exhibits like the Underground Railroad, the history of African American military contributions, and more. The museum also hosts community programs and events that help to educate and empower the people of Detroit and beyond. Supporting this museum is vital for preserving Black history in Michigan and the broader national context.

3.    DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Founded: 1961

Website: www.dusablemuseum.org

Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the first recorded Black settler of Chicago, the DuSable Museum is one of the oldest institutions in the country dedicated to preserving African American history. The museum offers a range of exhibits covering topics like African heritage, slavery, the Great Migration, and more. It also hosts cultural events, performances, and educational programs, making it an important space for Black culture in The Windy City.

4.    Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Location: Jackson, Mississippi

Founded: 2017

Website: www.mcrm.mdah.ms.gov

This museum is dedicated to documenting the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, focusing on events between 1945 and 1970. The museum’s exhibits feature stories of courage, sacrifice, and resistance, highlighting the heroic actions of individuals who fought for racial equality in a deeply segregated state. By supporting this institution, visitors help preserve the stories of people who contributed to this pivotal moment in American history.

5.    International African American Museum (IAAM)

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Founded: 2023

Website: www.iaamuseum.org

Located at a former shipping wharf in Charleston, one of the key points of entry for enslaved Africans, the IAAM is a powerful space for learning about the transatlantic slave trade and its effects on African American identity. This museum is especially important as it helps illuminate the history of African people brought to the U.S. by force. It offers a critical space for reflection on this painful but necessary chapter of history.

6.    The National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel - Memphis, Tennessee

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Founded: 1991

Website: www.civilrightsmuseum.org

Situated at the Lorraine Motel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination site, this museum chronicles the Civil Rights Movement, from the early struggles to the landmark events in the 1960s. The museum includes important artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and a thorough examination of the fight for racial equality in the U.S. Black Americans should visit and support this museum to honor the sacrifices made for the freedoms they enjoy today.

7.    The Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Founded: 1976

Website: www.aahcmuseum.orgOne of the first institutions to preserve African American culture, the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum is a national treasure. It houses collections that trace the contributions of Black people from the era of slavery to the present day. With exhibits on the arts, sports, politics, and more, this museum is an essential touchstone for understanding African American history in Pennsylvania and beyond.

8.    The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - New York, New York

Location: New York, New York

Founded: 1925

Website: www.schomburgcenter.org

Part of the New York Public Library system, the Schomburg Center is one of the world’s leading institutions for studying and preserving African American culture. It has a vast archive that includes manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, and much more. The Schomburg Center is especially significant because of its role in documenting the contributions of Black people across the globe. By supporting the Schomburg Center, Black people can contribute to preserving essential cultural materials.

9.    The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater

Location: Miami, Florida

Founded: 1991

Website: www.blackarchives.org

The Black Archives is dedicated to preserving Miami’s African American history, focusing on the culture and contributions of Black Miamians. Its Lyric Theater is an iconic landmark, hosting performances and educational events that showcase the artistic contributions of Black people in the region. This space is a cultural hub that not only educates but also serves as a place for artistic expression, making it a critical institution in the community.

10. The Museum of the African Diaspora

Location: San Francisco, California

Founded: 2005

Website: www.moadsf.org

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Museum of the African Diaspora is committed to promoting and celebrating the global contributions of African descendants. Through art exhibitions, storytelling, and educational programming, the museum highlights the impact of the African diaspora across the world. By supporting this museum, visitors help honor the diverse legacies of Black people both in the U.S. and globally.

Why Supporting These Museums Matters

Supporting museums like these goes beyond just visiting. It’s about ensuring that the stories of Black people continue to be told, that future generations have access to educational resources, and that the sacrifices of those who fought for justice and equality are never forgotten.

These museums are not just repositories of history; they are living, breathing institutions that serve as sources of pride, inspiration, and reflection. For Black people, supporting these museums means contributing to the broader narrative of African American achievement and resilience. Whether through donations, membership, or simply visiting, Black Americans have the power to help these institutions thrive and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come.

By supporting African American history museums, we uplift our culture, honor our ancestors, and set the stage for a brighter, more connected future.

"We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour." – Dr. Maya Angelou

Black History Trivia Night: Fun Facts About African American and Family History

Hey, Hey, y'all. Your favorite genealogist is back with some interesting games for you and your family to play this month and all year long.

Black History Month is the perfect time to honor the contributions of Black Americans to history, culture, and society. It’s also the perfect time to teach our youth black history; some are afraid to learn. Organize a Genealogy Trivia Night to celebrate while laughing, learning, and connecting with loved ones. Here’s a curated list of games rooted in Black culture and history, complete with links to purchase them and hashtags to share the joy online.

How to Organize Your Black History and Genealogy Trivia Night

1. Set the Theme: Decorate your space with Black History Month banners, photos of influential figures, and family memorabilia.

2. Plan the Playlist: Choose a music lineup that celebrates black artists, from jazz legends to modern hip-hop icons.

3. Good Food: You cannot celebrate Black History, Culture, or Music without good food. Sunday Dinner, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, barbeque, sweet potato pie, and a great pound cake are all your family needs!

4. Mix the Games: Include various card, board, and discussion games to cater to all ages and interests.

5. Incorporate Genealogy: Encourage participants to share stories, photos, funeral programs, or other artifacts and heirlooms from their family’s history. There are companies that can turn your personal family history into board games or card games.

6. Prizes and Rewards: Offer small prizes, such as books by Black authors, cultural artwork, or gift cards to Black-owned businesses.

   
   

   

   
   

Games for Your Genealogy Trivia Night

1. Black Card Revoked: Original Flavor - This game flips traditional Black history trivia on its head by highlighting shared cultural knowledge. With questions like “Which hot sauce is the only one worth using?”, it promises hilarious debates and nostalgic fun.

2. Blerd Domination - Combine your love for anime, movies, and music with trivia on Black history. This game celebrates the multifaceted interests of the Black community while providing an entertaining and educational experience.

3. Black Card Revoked - First Edition - Celebrate American Black popular culture with this lively game. With four editions to choose from, it’s perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends.

4. Real Talk – Hip Hop Edition - Explore Black culture through the lens of hip-hop with 52 discussion cards. This game invites players to share perspectives and memories tied to the music and movement that shaped generations.

5. Black History Flashcards: S.T.E.A.M. Edition - Learn about Black pioneers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and entertainment. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this deck of flashcards is an engaging way to celebrate Black ingenuity.

6. Black History Playing Cards - Add a cultural twist to your next card game! These playing cards feature custom illustrations, inspiring quotes, and fascinating facts about Black history.

7. Black UNO - A creative spin on the classic card game, Black UNO combines trivia and strategy. Watch out for the "Black Power Cards" that can change the game with a trivia question or extra card draws!

8. Tabu (Words) for the Culture - This guessing game brings together nostalgia and modern culture, with clues ranging from 90s pop references to current slang. It’s a surefire way to keep energy high during trivia night.

9. Free at Last Civil Rights Board Game - Dive deep into the Civil Rights Movement with this immersive board game. Take on the role of historical organizations fighting for equal rights in the Deep South from 1960 to 1964.

10. Black Jeoparody! Black History and Culture Edition - Modeled after the beloved Jeopardy! format, this game features 18 categories like “The Arts,” “HBCUs,” and “Activism.” With customizable questions and sound effects, it’s a show-stopping choice for trivia night.

Celebrate Black History Month with a Genealogy Trivia Night, a fun way to explore African American history and culture while connecting with loved ones. From Black Card Revoked to Black Jeoparody!, these engaging games bring laughter, learning, and nostalgia to your game night. I plan to bring out these games at the next Family Reunion!! I hope to get relatives of all ages around the table (after our traditional Spade game) and get them excited about mixed trivia, card games, and discussion prompts to have meaningful conversations about Black heritage and achievements.

Check out the game list above, set the mood, and make history come alive—one trivia question at a time!

Why Federal Agencies Are Cancelling Special Observances Celebrating People of Color? And Why Black Americans Don't Need Anyone’s Permission to Celebrate

First, Happy Black History Month, folks!

I don’t usually rant in writing or in public, but we are living in a time where they are trying to silence our voices and erase our history. I, for one, will not be quiet or allow my history, my origins, or my ancestors to be forgotten.

Let's celebrate our history!

Black History Month and other observances for people of color are under attack! But this genealogist will not be moved. My love for family history is deep, my desire for knowledge about my ancestors and their contributions to this country is strong, and my determination to influence people to learn about “their” ancestors, “their” heroines and heroes, “is everlasting!

For the entire month of February, I will post a blog each day about how we can observe our heroines and heroes of black history. Again, I encourage you to discover your family’s story. KinFolks Family History can help!!

The Cancellation of Observances

Recently, federal agencies and organizations have canceled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including special observances that celebrate Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. This shift is attributed to political pressure, shifting federal policies, and an effort to reframe discussions around race in the United States.

Political and Policy Shifts

Following administration changes, certain government agencies have de-emphasized DEI initiatives, citing budget constraints, neutrality concerns, or claims of "reverse discrimination." For instance, under the current administration, an executive order was signed to eliminate diversity training in federal institutions, arguing that such programs promoted division rather than unity.

Recent reporting from NBC News, The New York Times, and Axios shows a series of actions from the current administration in early 2025 that critics say sharply curtail or effectively cancel Black History Month acknowledgments and diversity-focused initiatives.

According to NBC News, a Department of Defense agency issued a directive that bans any official Black History Month programming or displays, citing concerns over "partisan or divisive training." Critics within the military community argue the ban will chill essential discussions about race in the armed forces, while supporters claim the move aims to maintain a nonpolitical environment.[1]

A New York Times report describes the broader context within the current administration, including a series of orders that limit or defund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across federal agencies. The article notes that this has led several departments to cancel planned Black History Month panels, speaker engagements, and commemorative activities out of fear of violating the new guidelines.[2]

Meanwhile, Axios details how the current administration’s public statements on honoring Black History Month contrast with its rollback of DEI initiatives. The piece highlights the tension between the administration’s professed support for celebrating Black history, and the policy measures that critics argue undermine those commemorations.[3]

These reports paint a picture of an administration publicly acknowledging Black History Month while reducing or outright canceling federal agency events traditionally held to recognize it. Proponents say these measures ensure federal neutrality and prevent political activity within government entities. At the same time, opponents warn the policies risk erasing critical conversations about race and stifling efforts to create a more inclusive federal workforce.

Institutional Pushback Against DEI

Many conservative policymakers argue that special observances for people of color unfairly elevate some groups over others. Critics claim these programs create a divide rather than foster inclusivity. The result? Federal recognition of celebrations like Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month has been muted or even erased in some government spaces.

Black Americans Don’t Need Permission to Celebrate

History has shown that Black communities have never relied on government approval to honor their contributions. Whether sanctioned by official government entities or not, Black Americans will continue celebrating their history, culture, and achievements.

The Power of Self-Recognition

From Juneteenth's grassroots expansion into a national holiday to ongoing community-led Black History Month events, Black Americans have always found ways to honor their legacy, regardless of external recognition. If the federal government chooses to scale back these observances, the responsibility of preserving and uplifting Black History now falls on the Black community.

Resistance Through Celebration

Historically, Black communities have used cultural expression as a form of resistance. Whether through art, literature, music, or food, celebrating Black excellence is a political act. Even without government acknowledgment, Black-led organizations, churches, and local communities will continue to educate, uplift, and recognize Black people's contributions.

The Importance of Passing Down Knowledge of Black Heritage

The erasure of Black history from federal observances underscores the urgency for Black people to learn about and share their heritage with younger generations actively.

Teaching the Next Generation

Families and communities must teach Black history at home and in schools without institutional backing. Elders must pass down oral traditions, scholars must continue documenting the past, and educators must integrate Black achievements into everyday curricula.

Combating Historical Erasure

When Black history is removed from public discourse, misinformation and historical amnesia set in, and without consistent education on the struggles and triumphs of Black people, the risk of misrepresentation and distortion grows. Black families, scholars, and grassroots organizations are responsible for ensuring that history remains intact and widely known.

How Can You Help Preserve Black History?

Whether it’s family members, community leaders, or Black organizations – we all play a vital role in ensuring that Black history and culture remain alive.

Supporting Black Institutions

By investing in Black-owned media, museums, and bookstores, communities can sustain institutions dedicated to preserving and sharing Black history. Organizations like the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) continue the legacy of Carter G. Woodson’s efforts to highlight Black contributions.

Creating Community-Based Celebrations

Even if federal agencies retreat from recognizing Black observances, Black-led events can still thrive. Churches, grassroots organizations, and social groups can continue to host festivals, discussions, and programs dedicated to Black excellence. Check your local churches and community organizations for events this month. Again, we do not need their permission.

Digital and Social Media Activism

In today’s digital age, Black history can be preserved and spread widely through online platforms. Black creators and educators use social media to share untold stories, counter misinformation, and promote awareness of key historical events.

While federal agencies may choose to cancel special observances celebrating people of color, Black Americans have always, and will always, find ways to honor their contributions to this country. The strength of Black history lies not in government recognition but in the power of the people who carry, celebrate, and pass it down. Black Americans, please continue celebrating our excellence – and let’s do so unapologetically!

We do not need anyone’s permission to celebrate our history!

[1] NBC News “Defense Agency Bans Black History Month.” NBC News, February 1, 2025.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/defense-agency-bans-black-history-month-rcna190189.

 [2] The New York Times “Trump’s Directive Spurs Cancellations of Black History Month Programs.” The New York Times, February 1, 2025.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/us/trump-black-history-month.html.

[3] Axios “President Trump Recognizes Black History Month While Rolling Back Diversity Efforts.” Axios, February 1, 2025.

https://www.axios.com/2025/02/01/president-trump-recognizes-black-history-month-while-rolling-back-diversity-efforts.