Northwest African American Museum

We are a Northwest museum that uses Black heritage to cultivate healing and hope for all. NAAM spreads knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent for the enrichment of all. We accomplish our mission by working with others to: Present and preserve the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent; and to Investigate and celebrate Black experiences in America through exhibitions, programs, and events.

The Northwest African American Museum is an anti-racist, pro-equity, affirming gathering place of hope, help, and healing for the entire Northwest region that is building intergenerational cultural wealth. At the heart of the African American experience in the Northwest is the story of our journey to this region, the establishment of our vibrant community, and the ways in which we have survived. To tell this ever-unfolding story, the Museum’s exhibitions and programs feature the visual arts, music, crafts, literature, and history of African Americans in the Northwest. Cognizant of the black community’s continuous evolution, NAAM focuses on African Americans whose route to the new world was through slavery as well as recent immigrants arriving from places such as Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia.