September …

The California African American Museum (CAAM) has been a cornerstone institution in Los Angeles dedicated to documenting, preserving, and presenting the artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of African Americans — particularly those of California and the American West—thereby shaping a more inclusive understanding of American heritage.

Established in September 1977 and chartered by the State of California, CAAM holds the distinction of being the first African American museum dedicated to art, history, and culture, supported entirely by state funding. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to cultural equity and public enrichment. With free admission and a strong educational mission, the museum has become a vital cultural resource for communities throughout Southern California and beyond.

CAAM opened its doors in 1981 in temporary quarters at the California Museum of Science and Industry, with arts advocate Aurelia Brooks as its inaugural director. The museum’s initial acquisition — a bronze bust of civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune by Richmond Barthé — set a precedent for historical depth and artistic merit.

In July 1984, coinciding with the Los Angeles Olympic Games, CAAM relocated to its permanent 44,000-square-foot facility in Exposition Park (Los Angeles), designed by African American architects Jack Haywood and Vince Proby. The inaugural exhibition, “The Black Olympians 1904–1984” — curated by historian Lonnie Bunch (who later became the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture) — highlighted the museum’s dual commitment to both cultural celebration and historical narrative.

Over the years, CAAM has developed an extensive permanent collection encompassing artworks, photographs, artifacts, and documents that range from 19th-century landscapes and portraiture to contemporary mixed-media pieces by African American and diasporic artists. Its programs go beyond exhibitions, featuring lectures, workshops, youth education initiatives, and partnerships that expand its outreach within diverse communities.

As a recognized Smithsonian Affiliate, CAAM has enhanced its visibility and influence within national museum networks while serving as an essential platform for dialogue, research, and community engagement.

The exhibitions and public programs of the California African American Museum continue to celebrate African American creativity and resilience, enriching the cultural history of the United States.