Did you know that this building once echoed with the sounds of children’s laughter? This is the Northwest African American Museum. For years it served as the Colman School. But its story is far more than just classrooms and textbooks.
The Northwest African American Museum stands as a testament to resilience and community. It’s a place where history comes alive. The museum opened in 2008. It’s housed in the former Colman School a building with a rich history of its own.
In 1985 a group of activists occupied the disused school. They wanted to prevent its demolition. Their occupation lasted eight years a remarkable act of civil disobedience. They transformed the building into a space for community gatherings. They displayed artwork and artifacts. It was a powerful statement about the need for a museum that celebrates Black history.
The occupation ended in 1993. The city of Seattle agreed to fund the museum. The Urban League played a key role. They raised funds to purchase the building from the Seattle Public Schools. They transformed the building into a museum and affordable housing. The opening ceremony in 2008 wasn’t without controversy. Wyking Kwame Garrett son of one of the original occupiers protested the direction the museum had taken. He was arrested but his actions highlighted the complex history behind this institution.
Today the Northwest African American Museum is a vibrant hub for art exhibitions and educational programs. It celebrates the rich culture and history of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest. It showcases the work of local artists like Vincent Keele Shantell Jackson Lo Mar Metoyer and Yeggy Michael. It features exhibits on topics ranging from abstract art to the annual Martin Luther King Jr. march in Seattle. The museum also offers interactive programs workshops and events for all ages.
The Northwest African American Museum is more than a building. It’s a living monument to a community’s struggle and its triumph. It’s a place where stories are told and shared a place where history comes alive. It’s a museum you won’t soon forget.