Despite the national fervor inspired by his death it took 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists a holiday created in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states.

In honor of this important moment, the museum encourages visitors to reflect on the words in the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment — two of the most important documents in the nation’s history. 

Elaine Nichols, Supervisory Museum Curator, offers a look at unique items the museum store has to offer for everyone.

Our newest story explores how the nuanced history of Black dolls in America challenge political, cultural and racial barriers while bringing restorative joy to children during the holiday season and beyond.

President and Mrs. George W. Bush, President and Mrs. Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey to Join Ken Chenault and Shonda Rhimes to Lead $350 Million Living History Campaign to Extend Museum’s Reach

Our latest exhibition examines Black religious life through a selection of photographs from the Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony, Jet and Negro Digest.