NORFOLK, Neb. – A temporary exhibit at Northeast Community College that featured photographs, artifacts and some personal letters and autographs tells stories of Women of Color over the centuries.
The exhibit, which was at Northeast’s Union 73 on Monday, March 18, featured a range of historical women, including such giants as Oprah, Michelle Obama, Diana Ross, Maya Angelou and Venus Williams.
It also included lesser-known women who made an impact on society, such as Louise Beaver, who was an actress who began her career in the 1920s and only had the opportunity to play such roles as a maid or servant, or Minnie Forbes, who was one of only a few women who owned a Negro League Baseball Team.
The exhibit is shown annually at a minimum of about 30 locations, especially during Women’s History Month in March. These artifacts are part of the True Black History Museum, which is often shown at college campuses. Other locations the exhibit is featured include corporate events, churches and K-12 schools.
Janay Jean-Piere was one of the representatives on hand with the exhibit answering questions.
“Our sole purpose is to bring the exhibit to you,” Jean-Piere said, who noted that the True Black History Museum also brought “Tribute to the African-American Journey” to Northeast in the past.
The True Black History Museum isn’t a brick-and-mortar museum, but travels all around the country. The exhibit on Monday was headed to Ohio next. It began with history from Africa.
“We like to start off with Africa and pay homage and just remind people that there is history that predates slavery,” Jean-Piere said. “Typically, when you are studying American history, it goes to slavery. Nothing (of the African-American history) predates slavery, so that’s purposely done to put the African table there. We want to get people’s wheels turning and maybe ask more questions.”
The exhibit takes viewers on a journey of what African-American women have experienced, and then covers the accomplishments as times goes on. It includes achievements in sports, entertainment, music, politics and more. Part of the exhibit’s appeal is that much of it takes place over the past 75 years, so people of varying ages can remember it and connect directly with parts of it.
Women of Color cutline
The Women of Color exhibit that was on display at Northeast Community College took viewers on a journey through time, celebrating the accomplishments and experiences of African-American women. The artifacts included such things as signed photos, magazines, scripts and personal letters. (Northeast Community College)
###