SACRAMENTO, Calif. — If you're searching for ways to celebrate Black History Month, you might want to consider visiting the California Museum in downtown Sacramento. The museum is presenting a Black History Month Self-Guided Tour throughout February.
Jessica Cushenberry is the volunteer coordinator and public program specialist at the museum. She explained the importance of recognizing Black history.
"Black history is American history," Cushenberry said. "The tour allows you to see the evergreen content at the museum that's always on display."
The tour highlights African American contributions, specifically, to the state's rich history. It focuses on themes of Black resilience, activism, democracy and community.
"Our mission is to educate, engage, and enlighten," Cushenberry said. "We cannot do that if we do not speak about Black people, their history, their stories and contributions to the state and the culture. With the tour, you can see what they're doing now, in the past, and what we're still continuing to inspire to do."
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Since the tour is self-guided, people can explore the museum at their own pace using a map with focal points. Cushenberry personally shared one of her favorite parts of the tour and how the past can open doors to the future.
"We have a small section on interracial marriages," she said. "As the product of a bi-racial family, my grandfather was an airman who married a French woman. They were married at a time when it was still illegal for them to be married in majority of the country. So, what's really interesting is the story about Andrea Perez and Sylvester Davis. They helped to eradicate the law that prevented interracial marriages in California and because of people like them, my family has the right to tell their story today."
With Black history on display year round at the museum, Cushenberry said it's a learning opportunity for all.
"Not just in Black History Month, but every month you can see what Black people are doing to add to the world of history, women and the arts," Cushenberry said.
The Black History Month Self-Guided Tour takes about an hour to complete. The museum designed it for all ages. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for youth and seniors, and free for kids under 5-years-old. To learn more about the tour, hours of operation, or to purchase tickets, visit the California Museum website.
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