South Sacramento African heritage museum at risk of shutting down


Nearly 30 years ago, Shonna McDaniels opened the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum with the hope of bringing art and culture to people in south Sacramento. “We are a community-based museum,” said McDaniels.Over the years, it’s become a creative space for local artists and a vital resource for seniors and youth. “We feed the seniors, we provide workforce development for youth and entrepreneurship,” said McDaniels. After not receiving grant funds last year, McDaniels said the museum’s future is uncertain. “We want to be able to continue to cultivate the mind, body, spirit through arts and culture and tradition and heritage,” said McDaniels. Without funds to pay for rent, staff and programs, McDaniels said they will have to permanently close early next year. To save the museum, McDaniels organized events to raise money, however, she hopes the city steps up to help. “We’re hoping for 2025 that funding for us could be a little bit more impactful,” said McDaniels.KCRA 3 contacted councilmember Caity Maple, who represents the district where the museum is located. Her office said they’re working closely with the museum to find an affordable and permanent space for them.”Understanding another person’s history, another person’s culture, it just connects everyone and builds strength,” said McDaniels.McDaniels has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the museum. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter

Nearly 30 years ago, Shonna McDaniels opened the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum with the hope of bringing art and culture to people in south Sacramento.

“We are a community-based museum,” said McDaniels.

Advertisement

Over the years, it’s become a creative space for local artists and a vital resource for seniors and youth.

“We feed the seniors, we provide workforce development for youth and entrepreneurship,” said McDaniels.

After not receiving grant funds last year, McDaniels said the museum’s future is uncertain.

“We want to be able to continue to cultivate the mind, body, spirit through arts and culture and tradition and heritage,” said McDaniels.

Without funds to pay for rent, staff and programs, McDaniels said they will have to permanently close early next year.

To save the museum, McDaniels organized events to raise money, however, she hopes the city steps up to help.

“We’re hoping for 2025 that funding for us could be a little bit more impactful,” said McDaniels.

KCRA 3 contacted councilmember Caity Maple, who represents the district where the museum is located. Her office said they’re working closely with the museum to find an affordable and permanent space for them.

“Understanding another person’s history, another person’s culture, it just connects everyone and builds strength,” said McDaniels.

McDaniels has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the museum.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *