Learn about the famed Tuskegee airmen and local African-American participants in World War II and the home front.
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IF YOU GO
Location: 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle. From I-90, take the Rainier Avenue S. exit, head south to Massachusetts Street, turn left (east) to 23rd Avenue and drive to S. Massachusetts Street. Parking is free and readily available on site.
Central Area Community Festival is a sanctioned Seafair event centered at Garfield Community Center, 2323 Cherry St. Held on Aug. 16-17, noon - 8 p.m., it features a parade on the 16th at noon, as well as two free days of vendors, food, music and events for the whole family. For more information, call 206-999-3482 or visit www.cacf.com.
A Journey Through the Northwest African American Museum
By Janice Lovelace
Just inside the entrance of the new Northwest African American Museum, a long hallway takes visitors on a fascinating journey, beginning with the first black man known to have come to the area: York, a slave who accompanied his owner William Clark, during the famous Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806.
A few steps away, learn about George Washington Bush, a veteran of War of 1812, who was the first black settler in Washington. After heading west from Missouri with his wife and five children, he was not welcome to stay in Oregon because of his race. He crossed the Columbia and settled in the Olympia area.
This exhibit also showcases artist Jacob Lawrence’s series on the struggles of the journey over the Oregon Trail. The mass migration between World Wars I and II of African Americans is showcased further down the journey timeline. They came to work the railroads and build airplanes and ships for the defense industry.
The Journey Passage, with its numerous small exhibit stops, connects the national civil rights movement with local Seattle and Portland events, using photos and videos paired with oral stories. The journey ends in modern time with the newest immigration of people from the African continent. Although there are not many hands-on exhibits for children, the museum is a delightful place for families to learn more about different cultures.
The Northwest Gallery showcases African American artists. This summer focuses on the artwork of two well-known Seattle-based artists, Jacob Lawrence and James Washington, Jr. Iconic painter Lawrence’s favorite work chair and a replica of his studio are part of the exhibit of his paintings. He came from New York to Seattle in 1971 when he received an art professorship at the University of Washington. His love for the Northwest showed up in his art as he began including local scenes and stories in his paintings.
The other section of the gallery displays the artwork of James Washington, best known for his sculptures. He first came to the Northwest in the great migration of African Americans to work in the Bremerton Naval Shipyards in 1944. Originally a painter, he began focusing on stone sculpture in the 1950s. His basic tools are showcased in an installation of his studio. Several of his sculptures complete the exhibit.
A final offering at the museum is the Ancestry Room – a resource area for those interested in exploring their own genealogy. Although a main focus is on African-American history, anyone can benefit from the books and computer access offered here.
The museum holds art workshops where children can practice different art techniques. Brian Carter, the museum’s education director, says there probably will not be summer classes this year since the museum is just getting started.
Block out an hour or two to explore this art and history museum to learn more about African-Americans in our region.
