By Ozola Cody

Founded by visual artist and community leader Shonna McDaniels, the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is a cultural jewel housed in Sacramento’s Florin Square, a historic hub and marketplace designed around Pan-Africanism. 

Guided by the Ghanaian principle of “Sankofa” — meaning to “go back and fetch it” — the museum encourages visitors to delve into the past to better understand the present.

“We have to go back and fetch what was lost. It’s important for everyone to know about the

contributions that Africans have made to the world. Most people do not know the truth,”

McDaniels said.

McDaniels’ journey to become an art activist began in childhood. “My parents believed having a strong sense of identity was essential. Our home was filled with Black art,” said McDaniels, who grew up in Sacramento. “I attended Shule Jumamosa [an African-centred school] in Oak Park in 1971, where we learned Swahili, celebrated Kwanzaa and practiced African dance.”

A journey through history

Walking into the museum feels like stepping into a living timeline. It features installations that spark conversation. One standout is the “Golden Milk Project,” designed by McDaniels

herself. This installation confronts the historical practice of enslaved African women being

forced to breastfeed the children of their enslavers.

“There’s a strong connection formed when a mother breastfeeds her baby — recognizing the

mother’s face, feeling nurtured and taking in all the benefits of the milk,” McDaniels said.

“But these women’s own children were neglected, as they were denied the same nurturing from

their mothers.”

This installation is one of many exhibits at the museum that offers a powerful and unique

portrayal of the Black experience — and youth docents are often onsite to provide their insights into the space.

Youth docent and Sacramento City College student Myana Myrica often begins her tours by encouraging visitors to breathe in preparation for the heavy emotions the museum may evoke. “Breathing and being in the space with each other allows us to feel connected and know we’re not alone,” she said. 

The museum’s visual journey begins in ancient Africa, with statues depicting ancestors, animals

and deities, symbolizing humanity’s origins. Some art installations also challenge current narratives of the transatlantic slave trade, such as Lee McCormick’s mixed-media piece portraying the harrowing journey of enslaved Africans, a haunting reminder that Africans in the Americas were stolen and did not immigrate here merely as workers.

Why it matters

Despite the cultural and historical significance of the SOJO Museum — the only of its kind in Sacramento that focuses on Black history and art — increased patronization could help its longevity, according to McDaniels.

“We need everyone involved to ensure the museum is being supported. Currently, we do not have it,” McDaniels said. “We’re the only museum of this nature training children as docents. Now, our efforts are being duplicated around the world.”

“As we enter a time when accessing information about diverse people or thoughts is being challenged, exposure to art and literature becomes even more critical,” artist Daphne Burgess, whose work “Snappin’ Beans” is displayed at the museum, said. “Spaces like the

Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is essential, and Black History Month is the perfect

time to support them.

Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Art beyond the museum

For those seeking even more artistic engagement this Black History Month, Sacramento offers

two other significant events:

“Fences” by August Wilson will be playing at Celebration Arts from Feb. 14 to March 2. This powerful play explores the complex dynamics of race, family and dreams deferred. Known for its gripping storytelling, Fences is a must-see for those who appreciate theatre’s role in social commentary.

“Urban Abstractions: A Solo Exhibition” by Gerald “GOS” Simpson is showing now through March 3 at Arthouse on R Gallery & Studios. Simpson’s work blends vibrant colors and abstract forms to explore urban life.

Arthouse on R Gallery & Studios is open Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.