Northwest African American Museum

Meet our 2024 Unity Honoree, Stephanie Johnson-Toliver. As President at the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Stephanie Johnson-Toliver leads a dedicated Board of Directors who are committed to upholding the Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and share the history of Black people from across the region. Stephanie also co-leads at the Historic Central Area Arts & Cultural District and is a board member at the Museum of History & Industry and Office of the Secretary of State-Legacy Washington. Her work within the community over the years in the Pacific Northwest makes her an ideal honoree as we celebrate those who influence our culture and history to enact positive change.

Thank you to one of our Unity Benefit Title Sponsors, The Heyday Fund for your support of the Northwest African American Museum. We value your partnership and appreciate you being a part of our 2024 Unity Benefit Celebration.

Meet our 2024 Unity Honoree Stephanie Ellis-Smith Operating as CEO and founder of Phīla Engaged Giving, a philanthropic advisory firm, Stephanie Ellis-Smith has become an integral part of philanthropic efforts in Seattle. Stephanie’s expertise in navigating wealth, impactful generosity, and civic engagement is frequently sought by leading philanthropic institutions and mainstream publications. Her impact and influence have continued to make a large difference and will never be forgotten. You Can Still Get Involved! Join us Friday, October 4 at the Four Seasons Seattle with doors opening at 5:30PM.

Thank you to Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. and Dr. Parker for spending time with NAAM this week for a variety of events including our Descendants Series. The evening was an incredible opportunity to speak with cousin and childhood best friend of Emmett Till, Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. as he recounted his life with Till, life since his cousin's passing, and the work he continues to do alongside his wife to keep Emmett Till’s legacy alive. Swipe for pictures from throughout this week.

Next week on October 4th, NAAM’s Annual Unity Benefit Celebration returns! Gracing the stage, we will have a special performance by the one and only Josephine Howell who will delight attendees with her soulful and powerful voice. The experiences of her performances reflect the spirituality, love, struggles and victories of one who tells the story of triumph. We look forward to seeing Josephine Howell perform live at the Unity Benefit. Don’t miss this incredible moment, register to join us for Unity today! Save the Date: Friday, October 4 | Doors Open at 5:30PM https://lnkd.in/dTTZUtc

This Wednesday, join us for our latest Descendants Series as we share an evening with Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., cousin and childhood best friend of Emmett Till, and his wife, Dr. Marvel Parker, Executive Director of the Emmett Till Institute. We will hear from a primary source about the life of Emmett Till prior to his life being cut short and learn more about the continued fight to preserve the memory and meaning of Emmett Till’s legacy. Register today to join us on Wednesday, September 25 6PM-8PM https://lnkd.in/eNS89dGG

The Descendants Series returns on Wednesday, September 25 at 6PM with the cousin and childhood best friend of Emmett Till, Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. He was with Till the night of his kidnapping and has made it his life’s work to preserve the memory and meaning of Emmett Till’s life including being integral part of President Biden passing the of the federal anti-lynching bill. This will be an inspiring and insightful evening and we look forward to seeing you there. Register to attend today: https://lnkd.in/eFJdew8Z

NAAM is pleased to announce our 2024 Champions of Unity honorees, philanthropist Stephanie Ellis-Smith and arts leader Stephanie Johnson-Toliver. The Champions of Unity Award is handed out during our Unity Benefit and honors impactful individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to service that exemplifies unity and uplifts their communities. Save the Date | Friday, October 4 | Four Seasons Seattle Doors Open: 5:30 pm Purchase Tickets and learn more: https://lnkd.in/dTTZUtc

Thank you to Jas Keimig at the @SoSeaEmerald for sitting down with CEO Brandon Bird. Brandon and Jas discussed his new role as CEO of the Northwest African American Museum, the responsibilities NAAM bears as a museum centering the Black experience in the region, and his short- and long-term goals for the museum. Check out Bradon’s interview: https://lnkd.in/egypTP8d

On Labor Day, NAAM honors the achievements and contributions of American laborers and labor unions. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) was one of the first Black labor unions in the United States organized and led by Asa Philip Randolph in 1925. The organization brought labor union ideals to thousands of Black households, and in 1935, became the first Black-led labor organization certified by the American Federation of Labor as an exclusive collective bargaining agent. The BSCP had a membership of upwards of 18,000 Black railway workers of the Pullman Company and fought against labor inequality, unfair wages, and poor working conditions carried out by the Pullman Company which had exploited the situation of newly freed Black people in search of employment opportunities. #LaborDay