Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$137 raised by 2 donors

0% complete

$50,000 Goal

The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (also known as The SOJO Museum) has been actively involved in serving youth and families in the South Sacramento area since 1996 when it developed numerous creative arts programs under the National Academic Youth Corps.  Its purpose was to enable youth from culturally diverse backgrounds to stretch their minds and imaginations and to provide a safe environment that stimulates creativity, promotes healthy lifestyles, and develops social skills.  After obtaining 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 2002, the Museum has offered scores of no- or low-cost programs, workshops, and activities on-site and out in the community to thousands of youths.

The Museum's programs have positively affected the lives of its participants and the cultural environment of the community.  The Museum was founded as a collaboration between Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum and the Florin Business Arts Complex where the Museum is housed.  The Museum operates as both a traditional Museum and a learning and education center for children, youth, and their families.  We offer programs that educate youth about diversity and involve them in hands-on art projects including mural development, clay sculpting, and storytelling.  The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of theme-oriented murals, art installations, exhibitions, events, and programs representing African American, Mexican, Latino, Asian, Alaskan, Pacific Islander, Eastern, and Native Cultures.  The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum was awarded official Sacramento Museum status in 2008, and in February 2009, participated in the highly attended Sacramento Free Museum Day.  In 2021 the Museum expanded to include a library, media center, and gallery. 

Mission

The mission of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is to open minds and change lives by exploring and celebrating African American history, experiences, and culture through art, wellness education, and outreach. Our vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African Americans inspire everyone toward a greater understanding of acceptance and unity. To foster personal and civic well-being in our community through fine, applied, and performing arts. We believe that the desire to experience and participate in creativity is essential to optimum human expression and development.

Needs

By donating to Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, your contribution will assist the organization in its efforts to:

1. Activate a safe space for expression to highlight African American art, history, and culture that inspires everyone to learn, grow and thrive.

2. Career development and access to training for youth, local artists, and seniors.

3. Offers free and low-cost education programs, where youth are not turned away by their family’s inability to pay.

4. Upgrading our interactive technology and multimedia equipment for our media and resource center.

Equity Statement

Our multicultural programming and the diversity of our participating artists are key as all members of our genuinely diverse Sacramento community are recognized, celebrated, and included in all aspects of our organization. Art is an essential, encompassing life element that can produce an environment that fosters the productive cultural exchange of ideas.

Since its inception, SOJO has strived to expand and promote the arts and artists of diverse cultures. We aim to remove barriers and improve representation in the arts through our programming.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum

other names

National Academic Youth Corp

Year Established

1996

Tax id (EIN)

80-0064237

Mission Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Operating Budget

$500,001-$1 million

Organization Need

Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, Space: Office or Other, Volunteers, Technology

Demographics Served

Youth & Children, General population

BIPOC Leadership

Executive Director/CEO

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

2251 Florin Rd Suite 126
Sacramento, CA 95822

Service areas

Sacramento, CA, US

Stockton, CA, US

San Francisco, CA, US

Oakland, CA, US

Phone

916-320-9573

fax

916-320-9573

Social Media