March 10 …

The Wright — officially the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History — in Detroit is one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions devoted to chronicling the breadth and depth of the African American experience and its profound contributions to American society, culture, and history.

For over 20 years, the museum has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the globe, offering immersive exhibitions, stimulating programs, and an extensive collection of artifacts that highlight centuries of resilience, innovation, and influence.

The museum’s journey began on March 10, 1965 when Charles H. Wright, a distinguished physician, civil rights advocate, and community leader from Detroit, collaborated with a committed group of supporters to establish the International Afro-American Museum. This initiative aimed to document and uplift African American history and culture at a time when such narratives were significantly underrepresented in public discourse.

Inspired by a memorial he encountered in Denmark honoring World War II heroes, Dr. Wright envisioned a space where African Americans — particularly young people — could see their history reflected and take pride in their heritage.

The museum initially opened on West Grand Boulevard and rapidly expanded, leading to growth in 1987. The eventual relocation to its current 125,000-square-foot facility in Detroit’s Cultural Center in 1997 made the museum the largest institution of its kind in the world.

In 1998, the institution was renamed the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in honor of its founder.

Driven by the mission to “open minds and change lives,” the museum today houses and showcases over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials through both permanent and rotating exhibitions — including the acclaimed core exhibition “And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture.” This exhibit traces African American history from Africa, through the diaspora and civil rights struggles, to contemporary culture.

The museum’s programming reaches a diverse audience of educators, students, scholars, and families, offering more than 150 educational initiatives annually that foster dialogue around history, identity, and social justice, while promoting understanding, acceptance, and unity.

Over the years, the museum has gained significant recognition as both a cultural beacon and an educational resource. It has secured substantial grants for exhibition development and outreach, hosting events of national importance, and serving as a cornerstone of Detroit’s vibrant arts and history landscape.

In 2023, it became part of the African American Civil Rights Network, further affirming its role in preserving the narrative of the Civil Rights Movement and honoring those who fought against discrimination.

Through its exhibitions, partnerships, festivals, and research initiatives, The Wright continues to shape how Americans understand their past while inspiring future generations to engage with history in ways that celebrate dignity, foster leadership, and honor collective achievement.