A cultural journey: Group from HPUMC visits the African American Museum of Dallas

Opened in Fair Park in 1993, the African American Museum of Dallas is a one-of-a-kind museum devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural, and historical materials. On Saturday, June 12, Highland Park United Methodist Church’s Impact Team led a group of 50 people on a cultural journey there.

As our group explored five of the exhibits, ranging from African American folk art to depictions propagandizing slavery through Confederate currency to the Freedman’s Cemetery of Dallas and more, museum docents explained the significance of each distinct section and answered questions.

This was the first trip to the museum for many in our group, but it was the second visit for Al and Jan McClendon. They initially came to the African American Museum of Dallas around the time it first opened in Fair Park. The McClendons shared that much has changed since then—not just the exhibits.

“Even if you came three years ago, it would’ve been a different experience than today because of the Black Lives Matter movement,” said Jan.

Courtney Kelly, one of HPUMC’s leaders on the trip, praised the museum for the much-needed platform it provides, especially to black, female artists.

“Giving black women a space to speak their minds is so important,” Courtney said. She believes that the art galleries in this museum, with works created by black artists and featuring African American subjects, will inspire young black girls in numerous ways.

Adrienne Johnson, 14, and her mom, Lori, signed up for this event because they saw it as an opportunity to visit the museum with other Christians.

“I was really glad I went because I liked the perspectives the artists expressed, especially in the art competition and Tears exhibits," said Adrienne.

“The event exceeded my expectations,” said Lori. “The folks in my group were attentive and approached each exhibit with an open mind.”

Overall, the trip was an eye-opening few hours that sparked deep conversations and learnings about race and faith.

“I felt God’s presence in every room. I sensed the beauty throughout the exhibits even though many of them have been born through suffering,” said Rhonda Stallings. “It was a great experience.”

At the end of the visit, our group enjoyed a delicious lunch and dessert served by Big Tyme We Barbeque and LaQuanda's Sweet Treats—amazing food trucks owned and operated by African American women.

Thinking of visiting the African American Museum of Dallas? Consider going this Friday, June 19 as they host a Juneteenth celebration. This annual event commemorates the announcement of June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom from slavery in Texas.