Preserve History, Inspire Youth, Change the Future

We are Celebrating 37 Years of Committed Work.

Support the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum—the only African American museum in Sacramento. We showcase Black history and untold stories of our people through exhibits and media. 

Black History is an essential part of world history and has greatly influenced our world today. The contributions of Black people are central to many movements, events, and cultural achievements throughout history. 

The National Academic Youth Corps, Inc. is the parent organization of SOJO, which was founded in 1988 and incorporated in 1996 after ten years of serving youth in the South Sacramento Community.

This fundraiser provides unrestricted funds that help pay dedicated staff, keep our doors open, and continue to offer culturally enriching programs that uplift and empower.

SOJO is more than a museum. It’s a living, breathing cultural hub. With your support, the museum can continue to preserve and celebrate African American heritage and build a brighter future together.

We are Celebrating 37 Years of Committed Work..

In 1988, my dad, Malik McDaniels, laid the groundwork for the inspiring work our non-profit now facilitates. He started "Tiny Hoopers Basketball" throughout Sacramento under the "National Academic Youth Corp." For many years, young boys were able to showcase their talents and skills on the court in a safe and uplifting environment.

Community Day at the California Rail Road Museum

In 1990, Alpha Bruton, Talver Germany, and I launched the "Visual Arts Development Project," which offered a wide range of arts programming, including classes, exhibits, and events, from our studio spaces located across from Gunther's Ice Cream. 

SOJO Mobile Black Heritage Exhibit

Art and Placemaking parking lot ground mural. 

Later, we moved to Del Paso Boulevard and continued our important work. We collaborated with Celebration Arts, serving as our fiscal agent, to help fund the African American Visual Art Summits in 1993 and 1994. 

Together, we also spearheaded the Celebration Arts Visual Arts portion of the Annual Art of Soul Festival, which was held at the Radisson Hotel.

Youth from John Still work on garden benches.

In 1996, with the assistance of Mrs. Barbara Nord, our art programming became incorporated under the West Florin Payee Service and was renamed the "West Florin Art Center." In 2002, we integrated my dad's (Malik's) work in sports with our arts initiatives under the National Academic Youth Corp.

Summer STEAM campers with guestartist

In 2006, I decided to add the "Doing Business As" (DBA) name of Sojourner Truth, leading to the establishment of the "Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum."