Oregon Black Pioneers to Host Smithsonian Poster Exhibit

CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE WITH THE SMITHSONIAN POSTER EXHIBITION: A PLACE FOR ALL PEOPLE

On September 24th, the Smithsonian Institution opened its newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The celebration will reach beyond Washington, DC, to Oregon as the Oregon Black Pioneers presents “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture.” The commemorative poster exhibition will be on view at the Capitol Building West Gallery from October 25th to November 4th.

An opening ceremony on October 25th at 3 PM (no food or drink) will feature remarks by Senators Peter Courtney, Jackie Winters, Margaret Carter, and Avel Gordly and Dr. Darrell Millner.

Oregon Black Pioneers will travel the exhibition around the State. The exhibition will be at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland,December 2016 through January 2017.

Other locations around the state are currently being scheduled.

Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES) in collaboration with the National Museum of African of American History and Culture, “A Place for All People” highlights key artifacts that tell the rich and diverse story of the African American experience. From the child-size shackles of a slave and the clothing worn by Carolotta Walls on her first day at the Little Rock Central High School to Chuck Berry’s Gibson guitar, “Maybellene’” and the track shoes worn by Olympian Carl Lewis, the exhibition presents a living history that reflects challenge, triumph, faith and hope.

The journey to establish this museum began a century ago with a call for a national memorial to honor the contributions of African American Civil War veterans. After decades of efforts by private citizens, organizations and members of Congress, federal legislation was passed in 2003 to create the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Since then, thousands of artifacts have been collected to fill the inspiring new building that has risen on the National Mall. Through its exhibitions and programs, the museum provides a shared lens to view the nation’s history and the possibility for hope and healing. It is a place where all can gather to remember, reflect and embrace America’s story: a place for all people.

Oregon Black Pioneers is very proud and honored to be chosen to share and showcase this exhibition to Oregonians around the state.

CONTACT: WILLIE RICHARDSON
www.oregonblackpioneers.org