The Odell S. Williams Now And Then African-American History Museum or the Baton Rouge African-American Museum, is a non-profit[1] museum of African-American history and heritage located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,[2] United States. The museum is named for Odell S. Williams, an educator in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded by Sadie Roberts-Joseph in 2001, the museum remains the only museum dedicated to African and African American history in the city.[3] The museum celebrates Juneteenth,[4][5] Black History Month, and American history year round.[6]

Exterior view of the Baton Rouge African American Museum

History

Sadie Roberts-Joseph, curator and founder, established the African American Museum after seeing the need and importance of having it in the community.[7] She often told visitors, "Culture is the glue that holds a people together. Take a step back in time and leap into your future."[8]

Roberts-Joseph maintained the museum on her own from its founding until her death in 2019.[9] After her death, her son Jason and his sister took over the management. The museum closed for a short time for COVID-19, but reopened in time for Juneteenth 2020.[10] It receives no federal or local funding.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "GuideStar". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  2. ^ "Veterans Day events set for Baton Rouge area". The Advocate News Bureau. The Advocate. November 10, 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  3. ^ Jaillet, Jim (March 16, 2013). "Seattle PI". Seattle PI. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  4. ^ Davis, Kelsey (June 2011). "Baton Rouge Celebrates Juneteenth". WAFB. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  5. ^ "19th of June". 19th of June. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  6. ^ Richardson, Maggie (November 2014). "Are the Arts Enough?". No. November. Louisiana Business INC. [225] Magazine. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  7. ^ Jacob, Krasnow (June 21, 2013). "Quest to Clean Up South Baton Rouge Continues". Louisiana Television Broadcasting LLC. WBRZ. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  8. ^ "Eye on 10 Odell S. Williams Now and Then Museum of African American History" (PDF). The Ten Times (2). Spring 2009. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  9. ^ "Baton Rouge home of slain activist Sadie Roberts-Joseph burglarized - ABC News". ABC News.
  10. ^ "Baton Rouge African American Museum now back open to the public". 17 June 2020.
  11. ^ Millhollon, Michelle. "Jindal trims BR projects". Advocate Capitol News Bureau. Retrieved 29 January 2015.

External links

30°26′22″N 91°11′07″W / 30.4394459°N 91.1854037°W / 30.4394459; -91.1854037

City of Baton Rouge
Categories