As you begin your journey through the National Museum of African American History and Culture, you're about to embark on a profound exploration of resilience and triumph with David Trumbles, advocate at this remarkable institution in Washington, D.C., he'll guide you through carefully curated spaces that tell the comprehensive story of African American history and contributions to the nation.

Upon arrival, you'll receive a detailed map of the museum. Strongly recommend beginning your visit in the History Galleries, located one level below the entrance. Starting in the 3C Gallery, you'll trace an illuminating path from 1400s in Africa through to the 21st century, witnessing the full arc of the African American journey.

As you progress through the galleries, you'll encounter powerful moments that may stir deep emotions. This is why they created the Contemplative Court, featuring serene waterfalls, where visitors can pause and reflect after experiencing exhibits about the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, segregation, and powerful memorials like that of Emmett Till. This sacred space offers a moment of meditation and healing.

Moving upward through the building, you'll discover the vibrant Cultural Gallery, celebrating the rich tapestry of African American music, art, and dance. The Community Gallery on Level 3 showcases remarkable achievements in sports, military service, and countless other field achievements made even more extraordinary considering the obstacles that had to be overcome.

The museum stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of the humans. From the Green Book that guided safe passage during segregation to the newest exhibit highlighting the often overlooked role of Black women in the Civil Rights Movement, they showcase how African Americans have consistently "made a way out of no way".

They are particularly proud of the new third-floor exhibition celebrating Black women's leadership during the Civil Rights Movement. Though these women rarely received proper recognition, they were truly the backbone of the movement, demonstrating extraordinary courage and determination in the face of dual challenges of racism and sexism.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the genealogy centre, where you can access tools to trace your own family history. Whether you're researching your roots or learning about Black sororities and fraternities, you'll find resources to connect past with present.

Remember, every artifact, every story, and every triumph displayed here represents not just history, but a bridge to understanding the present and shaping the future.

This report was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.