Northwest African American Museum Presents Freedom Weekend Events

In commemoration of August 28, which signals the anniversary of both the 1955 murder of Emmitt Till and the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) will present a series of events centered on the theme “Freedom Weekend.” These educational programs are designed to creatively engage the region with Black history. All events are virtual or physically distanced to allow the public to safely participate amid the current public health environment.

NAAM’s signature Freedom Weekend events include:

• Knowledge is Power Books Giveaway at the JazzED Community Block Party (Friday, August 27)
  NAAM is pleased to partner with JazzED to engage in a free Community Block Party recognizing the musical achievements of Clarence Acox. NAAM will distribute free, new African American children’s books during the event. This family-centered event, filled with music and food, will take place at the future home of JazzED from 5 -7 p.m. at 2101 22nd Ave. S., Seattle, and is open to the public.
• Knowledge is Power Books Giveaway at Clean Greens Farm and Market (Saturday, August 28)
  NAAM will continue with the distribution of free, new African American children’s books for all ages at the Clean Greens Farm and Market. Free fresh produce will also be provided, compliments of the Clean Greens Farm and Market. This event will take place will take from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of 116 21st Ave., Seattle. This is free and open to the public. NAAM will also attend the Rally for Voters' Rights at 5:30 p.m. at Seattle's Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, hosted by the MLK Commemoration Committee.
• An Afternoon with the Great-Grandson of W.E.B. DuBois (Sunday, August 29)
  NAAM will present the next episode of the Descendants Series and host a virtual conversation featuring the great-grandson of W.E.B. DuBois, Arthur McFarlane II. DuBois was a legendary civil rights activist, scholar, author and co-founder of the NAACP. He is known for his classic book The Souls of Black Folk(1903). McFarlane will discuss how his great-grandfather’s legacy has inspired and empowered generations of Black activists. Kiantha Duncan, president of the Spokane Branch NAACP will moderate the conversation, and Hobbs Waters of Portland will perform a dance interpretation to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Remarks will be given by Tacoma NAACP, Seattle King County NAACP, and Washington State NAACP with partnership support from Vancouver (WA) NAACP and Anchorage, Alaska NAACP. This virtual conversation will be presented on NAAM’s YouTube Channel from 3-4:30 p.m. To attend, please register at: https://www.naamnw.org/events/descendants-series-dubois. This event is free and open to the public.

A full schedule of upcoming events is available here: https://www.naamnw.org/events.