National African American Museum

We had heard that it was extremely difficult to get tickets for entry to the National African American Museum in Washington, D.C. Our daughter, Tiffany had heard that a few tickets were available online very early in the morning. She got up at 6:30 AM, turned on the computer and started applying for tickets. She struck gold! We got tickets for 2:30 PM. We could hardly believe it!

We always wondered about the design of the museum. The shape of the building and brown filigree was unusual. I got this information from the Smithsonian Museum website.

"From one perspective, the building's architecture follows classical Greco-Roman form in its use of a base and shaft, topped by a capital or corona. For our Museum, the corona is inspired by the three-tiered crowns used in Yoruban art from West Africa. Moreover, the building's main entrance is a welcoming porch, which has architectural roots in Africa and throughout the African Diaspora, especially the American South and Caribbean.  Finally, by wrapping the entire building in an ornamental bronze-colored metal lattice, Adjaye pays homage to the intricate ironwork crafted by enslaved African Americans in Louisiana, South Carolina, and elsewhere."

Inside were displays about great African American leaders, scientists, athletes, movie stars, TV personalities, musicians, politicians, etc.

The history of slavery is cruel and painful.

There was also memorabilia and historical artifacts of the African Americans who served in the military.

There were lots and lots of athletes, but more people should remember the genius of the inventors and other scientists.

Yes, there was a display for Oprah which made us smile.

I recognized Michelle's dress in the display about President Obama.

This part also made you shake your head.

Thomas Jefferson helped to create the Declaration of Independence and did oppose slavery. And yet he kept slaves himself.

The lowest floor was centered on the horrors of slavery and parents were advised not to take young children there.

You could see people moving through the rooms silently, some tearfully...confronted again with cruelty and evil.

This drawing caught my eye and gave me a feeling of hope.

At the end of the tour, everyone stopped at the Contemplative Court where a giant waterfall in the center of the room refreshed and soothed you before leaving the museum.