Sierra Health Foundation announces a $25,000 grant to the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum to support critical operations. The Museum has for nearly 30 years served the region with cultural programming and in October announced the risk it faced without sustained funding. Sierra Health Foundation’s grant enables the Museum’s continued contributions to Sacramento communities.
With this funding, Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum – named in honor of African American abolitionist and civil rights advocate Sojourner Truth – continues programming and exhibits that preserve and educate the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans. This includes the Youth Document Program, which supports local young people in developing personal and workforce skills, and exhibits refocusing history on the contributions of Black cowboys, inventors, women, formerly enslaved people and others whose stories are not often told.
“The Museum is important to the visitors who learn about our history, to the youth docents who gain critical workforce development skills, and to the values and future of our region,” said Shonna McDaniels, founder and executive director of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum. “For nearly 30 years, we’ve been part of the Sacramento community, and we’re honored when the community shows up for us.”
Sierra Health Foundation and its nonprofit sister organization The Center have partnered with the Museum for many years, through programming such as Youth and Community PopUps.
“The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum shines a light on the country’s historical and enduring wrongs, our shared progress and the legacy of those who have resisted, endured and thrived,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation. “The Museum provides education and builds community within and beyond the Black community, with lasting impacts on Sacramento’s culture and wellbeing. For our region to truly honor its diversity and stated commitment to building an inclusive future, it’s vital that we invest in our only museum focused exclusively on Black history and achievement.”
Since 1996, the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum has inspired pride, empathy, respect and unity through its art education and outreach efforts. The Museum is welcoming donations and continued community support to ensure it can stay open to the public. Learn more at sojoartsmuseum.org.