This museum, this institution has a long history and actually, the idea of a museum goes back to maybe 100 years ago when Civil War veterans wanted a monument recognizing the service and the sacrifice of African Americans during the war effort. And over the years in the 20th century had the support of Congress but nothing ever really came of it, and it wasn't until the mid-late 80s when congressman John Lewis with some other colleagues started to bring forth the idea that the Smithsonian needed to have a presence to recognize the significance and contributions of African Americans to the history of this country.
–DWANDALYN R. REECE, Ph.D.
Acting Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs · Curator of Music and Performing Arts
National Museum of African American History and Culture · Smithsonian Institution


Lillian Young is working to complete her MFA at Michigan State University. Much of Young’s work focuses on the dynamics of the black experience, historically and currently.

“For me, I like that I can create images that connect with other people as well as educate them on the forgotten history of American History. I focus on Black history and the Black experience because that is the history I grew up with but as I got old I realized that others around me had no idea what I was talking about.”

My time at Michigan State has given me a chance to talk to more artists and art historians who are working to a similar goal as myself and has given me the space to try ideas I never thought I would get to do.”

“In the picture, I am working on a piece called Peaceful Protest. It is about looking at how protests during the Civil Rights Movement are always described as a peaceful event, but in reality, they could lead to injury and even death.”

Peaceful Protest, Lillian Young

Peaceful Protest, Lillian Young

Artist Lillian Young working on her piece entitled Peaceful Protest

Artist Lillian Young working on her piece entitled Peaceful Protest