This Black-led Sacramento history museum may shut down. Here’s why
The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, which showcases African American art and history, is at risk of closing its doors after not receiving grant funding last year.
Located in Florin, the Black-led museum has existed in Sacramento for 28 years and primarily relies on grants, sponsorship and donations to operate, said William McDaniels, the museum’s chairman. To save the museum, leadership have begun asking the public for donations.
“We’re just trying to get people to help, support and come out to keep the doors open,” McDaniels said.
As of mid-October, the petition has raised around $2,000, with a final goal of $100,000.
It’s been difficult being chosen for a grant recipient spot, McDaniels said. With hundreds, if not thousands of other nonprofits competing, chances of being selected have gotten slimmer.
The museum has struggled to keep up with the cost of grant writers, staff and rent for its space in Florin, said McDaniels. The museum has cut back on operating hours because of financial restraints, he added. Now, staff are mostly volunteers.
The museum is open Thursday through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday is by appointment only, the website states.
What is the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum?
The museum teaches African American history that isn’t taught in public school, McDaniels said. There are currently exhibits on topics like Black cowboys, Black inventors and the Harlem Renaissance.
Exhibits like these are beneficial for Black youth, he said — to see themselves in history.
“When you know your past, then you can know and build from where you’re going to be in the future,” McDaniels said.
But the museum has served other communities across Sacramento and beyond, he explained. Not just on site, but through classes. The museum has taught at schools in the area.
“It’s not just Black people who come. We get a lot of our tours come from all over,” McDaniels said. “It’s just multicultural and the classes come from Lodi, Woodland, Roseville, Chico, Vacaville, and they’re all impacted when they’re in there.”
The museum has served as a community hub for youth as well. Staff will host pop ups at the museum, where youth can take art classes and participate in various education and development programs.
McDaniels considers the obstacles the museum faces to be indicative of struggles many Black-owned nonprofits face in Sacramento. The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is one of 50 Black-owned businesses in the Florin Business Art Complex on 2251 Florin Road. He said he sees it as a “constant fight,” to get support.
While the nonprofit is cutting back on hours, McDaniels encouraged Sacramento residents, and those in Northern California, to visit the museum.
“If people come, it steps for itself,” McDaniels said. “They can come and take a tour to see how the museum is amazing.”
This story was originally published October 19, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
