Welcome back. After closing due to the pandemic in 2020, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) will open its doors once again on Monday, Jan. 16 with a major Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration.
The museum debuted debuted 14 years ago in the old Colman School Building , hosting talks, readings, programs, and exhibits to educate visitors on Black history through a local lens. Here’s what’s happening at NAAM — and how to join Monday’s family-friendly festivities, which are free (donations encouraged ).
Enjoying the views 🖼️
Inside, you’ll noticed refreshed spaces at the museum like the entry display now called the Hallway of Healing and Hope and a Community Living Room that showcases the works of local Black artists from Onyx Fine Arts Collective . NAAM will spend this upcoming spring refreshing other areas as well.
These featured exhibits will be on display starting Monday and running through Juneteenth:
- Making a Way: Jacob Lawrence and the Northwest Black Experience | The Northwest painter referred to his style as “dynamic cubism.”
- The Colors of Life: African American Abstract Art and the Regathering of Community | View vibrant works by artists LoMar Metoyer, Yeggy Michael, Shantell Jackson, and Vincent Keele.
- A Long Walk to Hope: The Photography of Seattle’s Martin Luther King, Jr. March | Peruse powerful images from photographer Susan Fried.
- Notables of the Northwest Hallway | You’ll see pics from famous local musicians, alongside a thoughtful quote from each.
Note: After Monday, admission at the museum is $10 for adults, $5 for youth 18-and-under, and free for children three-and-under.
MLK Jr. Day schedule 🗓️
In addition to guided tours of the galleries and exhibits mentioned, guests will find Civil Rights film screenings and a conversation with actor-director Jesse Williams via interactive video.
Here’s what else is on docket from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday:
- Activities for kids, including soccer training with the Seattle Sounders, storytime, and face painting
- Food trucks
- Talks from spoken word artist Tia-Nache and local historian Dr. Daudi Abe
- Musical performances by NAAM’s African American Cultural Ensemble
- Voter registration and a hygiene supply drive
Bonus: If you stick around after 5 p.m., there will be a 21+ after party until 8 p.m. featuring local DJ Chukundi “Kun Luv” Salisbury.