By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
As political debates rage and historical narratives face increasing scrutiny, leaders at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia say this is a pivotal moment for institutions dedicated to African- American heritage.
Shakia Gullette Warren, the museum’s executive director and newly appointed vice chair of the Association of African American Museums, said the current climate demands bold truth-telling and innovation.
“We are at a crucial moment in terms of the political climate and truth-telling of Black stories,” said Warren. “My main goal is to ensure that African-American history is viable across all Black museums and is seen as a part of the American story.”
Warren emphasized the need to elevate Black voices through exhibits that reflect both historical legacy and contemporary relevance. Among the center’s most timely exhibitions is “Bodies of Labor: Hands That Built a Nation,” on display through December. The show features work by artists across Virginia that explore labor as a lens to examine the Black experience.
“Everyone wants a little piece of Blackness in some type of way,” said Warren. “We explore that legacy through exhibitions like ‘Bodies of Labor,’ which highlights what labor means for the Black community through art.”
The exhibit holds particular resonance as the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026. For Warren, this moment is an opportunity to assert the integral role African Americans have played in shaping the nation.
“We know that three out of four African Americans can trace their lineage back to Virginia,” she said. “We want people to see Virginia as everyone’s history. This is America’s history.”
That mission is echoed by Tamar Smithers, interim chair of the AAAM, who also sees the future of Black museums expanding through technology and deeper community engagement.
“Over the next decade, I feel that museums across the country and the world will see a significant shift in how we tell our stories,” Smithers said. “With artificial intelligence becoming part of our daily lives, our field will begin to incorporate these tools to enhance how we interpret and preserve history.”
Smithers also acknowledged the rising interest in cultural institutions amid ongoing attempts to suppress or rewrite history.
“Given the current attempt at rewriting and erasing our history, Black museums and cultural institutions will continue to see an increase in visitors and in attracting new audiences,” she said.
For both Smithers and Warren, the community remains central to their mission.
“The most rewarding moments for me as a museum and cultural leader are when I am with the community,” Smithers said. “I love seeing the joy on our babies’ faces when they see someone on the walls or in a program that looks like them.”
She also urged creators and cultural workers to stay committed to their craft as a form of resistance and preservation.
“Your art is your activism. This is how we continue to preserve our stories and our history,” Smithers said. “Commit to lifelong learning — it will always serve you well in this work.”
As both women prepare for a milestone year ahead, they say the mission remains unchanged: to ensure that Black stories are told, protected and honored for generations to come.