Support for the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

As a founding funder of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), we at the Kellogg Foundation are eager for the opening on Sept. 24 and look forward to this weekend’s dedication celebration in Washington, DC. WKKF is committed to the promotion of racial healing toward racial equity. We believe the opportunities and experiences the NMAAHC will offer can stimulate a much-needed dialogue about race, and foster a spirit of transformation across the country.

Ensuring that authentic narratives are a part of the national history and conversation is a critical part of our work. WKKF has been a long-time supporter of the Smithsonian Institution and our involvement with the NMAAHC as a founding funder included a five-year, $3.5 million grant to support the building of the museum with the important stories from communities, in its “Save Our African American Treasures” program. Treasures was launched in Chicago in February, 2008 and has travelled to Los Angeles, CA; Charleston and St. Helena Island, SC; Detroit, MI; Mississippi, and Washington, D.C. where rich stories emerged from community members with their treasures, many of which are now part of the museum’s exhibits.

At the Kellogg Foundation, all of our work centers on our commitment to the health, happiness, and well-being of all children. We believe that the NMAAHC will create opportunities for children to enhance their formal education experience by learning about the African American culture and how it has helped shape America. Children will have the opportunity to attain a greater sense of their own history and culture, cultivate self-pride and confidence, be aware of and concerned about others, and gain an increased appreciation for global diversity.

I, along with our WKKF trustees Celeste Clark, Rod Gillum and Ramón Murguía will be visiting Washington, DC, to commemorate the opening. It is our hope that everyone – from across the country and around the world – will visit our nation’s capital to explore, learn and experience our common humanity together.

Photo Credit image of the NMAAHC building by Douglas Remley (Smithsonian).

Visit the NMAAHC website for more information.