Upcoming Events
New events added frequently to this calendar. Check back regularly to learn about exciting, newly added events.
"Calling In:" An Intimate Evening with Loretta J. Ross
Join us for an empowering and thought-provoking evening with Black feminist activist and acclaimed writer Loretta J. Ross as she discusses her groundbreaking new book, Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel.
In a time of division, Ross challenges us to rethink cancel culture and embrace the transformative power of empathy and connection. Through her unique blend of wisdom and activism, she offers tools for fostering real change without shutting people out. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about building bridges and moving forward together
Black Art Takeover
IT’S OFFICIAL! BLACK ARTISTS ARE TAKING OVER!
Join us for a Black Art Takeover at NAAM featuring pop-up markets + displays from Black artists, guided tours of our latest exhibitions, panel conversations around the history of Black art in the PNW, great eats, and so much more!
Stay tuned for announcements on featured artists, speakers, and more!
Black Abstract: Black Influence on Western Modern Abstract Art with AshaAung Helmstetter
Join us as we venture back to our roots! In this workshop, participants will create intuitive abstract paintings while also learning history about the integral Black influence in the birth and becoming of abstract art.
Led by AshaAung Helmstetter, mixed media artist and the artist behind NAAM’s “Recognition, Love, and Healing” exhibit, participants are in for a real treat!
Fly For Freedom: A Living Voices Performance
In partnership with Living Voices and sponsored by the National Parks Service - Seattle Unit, join us for a dynamic performance from Living Voices, as they bring history to life - right before our lives! Through a dynamic solo performance combined with archival film history transforms into a moving, personal journey! Free with museum admission, registration required.
About Fly For Freedom
Who were the real “Rosie the Riveters?” How did Black Americans fight for democracy on two fronts? Learn the little-known contributions of Black women in World War II aviation, as one trailblazing young pilot flies for Double Victory— championing democracy at home and abroad. Antoinette and her family join the millions of Black Americans serving their country in the defense industries while bravely confronting racism, sexism and fascism on every front.
NAAM x SCT: Hula Hoopin’ Queen Community Day
Who doesn't love an evening at the theater?! Grab your family and join us at the Seattle Children's Theater for a special showing of Hula Hoopin' Queen!
After watching the performance, join the NAAMily for an exclusive interactive post-show experience provided by our friends at the Seattle Children's Theater.
Recommendation: Ages 5+
About Hula Hoopin’ Queen: Three Harlem girls vie for the crown of The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, encouraged and mentored by the community elders in master playwright Gloria Bond Clunie’s spirited adaptation of Thelma Lynne Godin’s book. A sweet, funny, and energetic slice-of-life reminder of the essential loops that bind our communities.
Learn more about the show here. https://www.sct.org/onstage/productions/the-hula-hoopin-queen-2/
Centering Community Care for High School Girls
Calling All High School Girls! Join us for a community workshop with Educator, Author and Advocate, Bonita Lee. Centering Community Care is a workshop designed specifically for high school girls of color to reflect on their care practices and design a plan to stay happy and healthy!
Age Recommendation: High School Girls
Cost: Free to Attend. Registration Required.
Snacks will be provided.
About the Workshop: Centering Community Care is designed to help participants navigate the often- blurred lines between productivity and self-care. Throughout the workshop, participants engage in reflective exercises, discussions, and group activities to explore how these elements intersect and contribute to their overall wellness. By the end of the session, each participant will create a personalized care plan—a practical, actionable guide rooted in their unique needs and goals for self-care and community support. This care plan serves as a roadmap to integrate wellness into their daily routines, helping them maintain balance in both their personal and professional lives.
Unity Benefit 2025
The 2025 Unity Benefit welcomes esteemed guests and museum supporters to enjoy an intimate cocktail affair with an inspirational program featuring members of the Pacific Northwest community.
Get Lit: A BHM Candle Pouring Experience
Did somebody say “Support Black Business?” This Black History Month, join us and the Noir Lux team for an afternoon candle pouring session inspired by good vibes and a deep sense of community. Bring your friends or make some new ones while you create your own custom candle!
Register to Attend! This event is free for members and $40 for non-members
Tassel Ear Candy Workshop with Ife Thomas
This workshop is for those who love to glow on the inside and OUT! This Black History Month, join Ife Thomas of Her Glow Candy Shop for a tassel ear candy workshop. Learn how to make two pairs of custom yarn earrings - as seen on everyone’s favorite auntie, Tabitha Brown.
Eager? Can't wait for the workshop? Check out Her Glow Candy Shop here.
Register to Attend! The event is FREE for members and $40 for non-members.
The Oprah Effect: A Conversation with Black Women Media Trailblazers
In honor of February 8, 1986 - the day Oprah became the first Black woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show, join NAAM for an inspiring panel discussion that celebrates the legacy of Black women in media and explores how they continue to trail blaze across platforms today.
The special guest panelist include:
Paris Jackson is a mom, Emmy award-winning Journalist, TV Host, and women’s health advocate. She is the host of The Newsfeed on Cascade PBS, which airs every Friday night. She is known for her smart analysis and steady delivery in interviews with political leaders and newsmakers.
Falesha Johnson is a multifaceted woman who has built a personal brand across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and more. Additionally, she is a wife, entrepreneur, a former professional athlete, a co-host on her podcast Rebirth of Life and Love, that she hosts with her husband.
This event will highlight their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in shaping the future of media.
King Day 2025: Forward Together
NAAM’s annual King Day celebration returns to honor the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Our theme for King Day and throughout 2025, is “Forward Together", both a call to action and a promise to our community that NAAM will stay focused on providing and connecting with the community while thinking toward progress. Join us on King Day for a powerful display of community and Black arts as we introduce two new art exhibits and host a community resource fair!
Black Santa Photo-Op
Black Santa returns to NAAM to get you into the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 7 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Sunday, December 8 12:00PM - 3:00PM. To ensure you and your family get a photo with Santa, register to take a photo with Santa here.
A photo with Santa is FREE for museum members and $40 for all other visitors. NAAM is offering a Limited Time Promotion offering Family Membership for 50% off ($35) from November 18 - December 8.
Become a member today to get FREE admission to Black Santa, access to special NAAM events and free admission to the museum for a year.
Freedom Day at NAAM: December Edition
Join us at NAAM on December’s Freedom Day for FREE admission all day as we celebrate and honor Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. On December 5, 1935, Dr. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW). Under her leadership, the NCNW grew to over 850,000 members. Today, the over 4 million members of the NCNW continue the work begun by Bethune.
Freedom Day at NAAM
Join us for FREE admission at NAAM all day for Freedom Day! This month we are celebrating Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to congress's 100th birthday on November 30!
Freedom Day at NAAM
In partnership with the Seattle Opera, join us for FREE admission at NAAM all day for Freedom Day! Visitors will enjoy a special vocal performance by Seattle Opera, a live Interactive Story Time with special guest reader and child book giveaway as well as feature food vendors.
We will also have a voter registration table to ensure all eligible voters are registered to vote in the spirit of Freedom Day and in remembering the importance of fighting for our rights like within the Sit-In Movement.
This month’s theme we are reflecting on the Sit-In Movement and the arrest of dozens fo protestors including Rev. Martin Luther King Jr that happened on October 19,1960. Following the arrest, Dr. King was sentenced to six months of hard labor. However, presidential candidate John F. Kennedy reached out to the King family and helped secure Dr. King’s release, which earned Kennedy Black votes that would help him win the presidency weeks later.
Unity Benefit
The Unity Benefit returns with doors opening at 5:30PM and the program beginning at 6:00PM at the Four Seasons Seattle. We welcome esteemed guests and museum supporters to enjoy an intimate cocktail affair with live music, a raise the paddle, artist spotlight, and an inspirational program featuring members of the Pacific Northwest community. This year our theme is Influence as we celebrate to influential leaders in our community with the Champions of Unity Award: Stephanie Ellis-Smith, CEO and founder of Phīla Engaged Giving and Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President at the Black Heritage Society of Washington State.
Artist Workshop with Myron Curry
Come create art with painter Myron Curry. Unleash your creativity and explore the world of colors at our exclusive painting workshop with renounced Pacific Northwest artist, Myron Curry. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop is designed to ignite your artistic passion and enhance your skills as you work together with Curry to contribute to one large community piece. From brushes to canvas, we’ve got you covered. Please dress in clothes you don’t mind getting paint on, and bring an apron if you have one.
Register to Attend Here
Descendants Series: Meet Reverend Parker & Dr. Parker
Join us for the Descendants Series with Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., cousin and childhood best friend of Emmett Till, and his wife, Dr. Marvel Parker, Executive Director of the Emmett Till Institute. They will share with attendees new insights into the life of Emmett Till and reflect on their efforts to preserve the memory and meaning of Emmett Till’s life.
Artist Workshop with C. Bennett
Come create art with collagist C. Bennett. Discover the excitement of creativity as you learn the art of collage alongside renowned Pacific Northwest artist, Cory Bennett. In an atmosphere of experimentation and guided instruction, new discoveries will inspire patrons to express themselves as they work together with Bennett to contribute to one large community piece. Materials provided. Please dress in clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
Register to Attend Here
Grandparents Day & African American Elders Day
Join us for Grandparents Day & African American Elders Day for a celebration of the pillars and the backbone of our community, our elders. We will be honoring the elders we have inducted into the Elder’s Circle over that last few years and feature performances by the Rhapsody Project and Speak with Purpose. Register for our FREE community program here!
Red Cross Blood Drive
Please join us for a blood drive at Northwest African American Museum on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please visit the Red Cross Blood website (https://www.redcrossblood.org) and enter ‘NAAM’ in the Find a Blood Drive search to schedule an appointment.
Freedom Day
Join us for FREE admission for ALL Freedom Day at NAAM! The Roots Picnic will be held in Jimi Hendrix Park and feature a live band, a classic car exhibition, face painting, and more!
A Conversation with Christopher Benson
Join us for a fireside chat with Christopher Benson, Board President of the Emmett Till Institute and the co-author of books with Mamie Till-Mobley and Reverend Wheeler Parker.
Benson will participate in a moderated discussion with a focus on the book he co-authored with Mamie Till-Mobley titled “Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America”, an account of the historical significance of the 1955 lynching of Till-Mobley’s son, Emmett Till, and the winner of the 2003 Robert F. Kennedy Book Award Special Recognition. The talk will also feature a discussion of the book he co-authored with Reverend Wheel Parker Jr. titled “A Few Days Full of Trouble: Revelations on the Journey to Justice for My Cousin and Best Friend, Emmett Till”. The event will conclude with an author signing of those books, which will be available for purchase.
Register to Attend Here
"Till's Whistle": The Murder and Legacy of Emmett Till with Dr. Terry Anne Scott
Join us for "Till's Whistle": The Murder and Legacy of Emmett Till, a lecture with Dr. Terry Anne Scott, Director of The Institute for Common Power. Dr. Scott discusses this important historical event and how it changed America.What happened to Emmett Till and why? How can we disrupt racism and racial violence today? What does the passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in 2022 signal? In the words of Dr. King, “where do we go from here?”
Register Here
Umoja Fest
NAAM is coming out to celebrate alongside the community with Umoja Fest. To show our support, NAAM will have a booth with our Knowledge is Power Program, giving away books both days of Umoja Fest to children of all ages while supplies last.
Freedom Day
Every Freedom Day NAAM provides FREE admission so the entire community can expand their knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the histories, arts, and cultures of people of African descent. Each Freedom Day there will be exhibits, activities, and/or programs for community members of all ages to enjoy.
Back to School Drive
Help NAAM bring new back packs and/or accessibility toys for students of Thurgood Marshall Elementary. We will be running the Back to School Drive for 4 weeks! Get free admission to NAAM with the donation of 1 new backpack for the NAAM Back to School Drive. Donations will also be accepted at our Umoja Fest Booth!
Book Talk with Dana Frank
Join us on Saturday, July 20 for a Book Talk with Dana Frank for a reading and discussion of her latest book “Get Up and Get On It: A Black Entrepreneur's Lessons on Creating Legacy and Wealth”. The book is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of individuals from marginalized communities, such as People of Color and women navigating the male-dominated business world. The talk will include a discussion with author Dana Frank about her new book, a book signing and a raffle.
Interrupting Privilege Radical Listening Session
Join us on July 6th for a powerful Radical Listening Session. Insights from our past Interrupting Privilege participants will guide important discussions. Be a part of this transformative community gathering.
Rock To Ripples: The Legacy of Emmett Till | Freedom Day
When you walk through the ‘Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See’ exhibit, you will learn about changemakers, and specific actions that changemakers take to improve their community. If you throw a rock in the water, the ripples that you see in the water are small waves carrying away the energy from where you threw the rock.
After you have toured the exhibit, join us for a 40 minute family activity ‘Rock To Ripples’, where participants will create a visual reminder of actions families can take to make a difference, spread a positive message, and reflect on experiences within the exhibit. Participants will be given rocks to paint and decorate to their choosing that will have a message of hope and encouragement so they too can join Mamie’s ripples for justice. We will be hosting a morning workshop at 11AM and an afternoon workshop at 1PM so all visitors will have an opportunity to participate.
Juneteenth Celebration
NAAM’s 3rd Day of Juneteenth Celebration concludes with our Juneteenth Day Celebration. Attendees will enjoy free admission to the museum, a KIP Book giveaway, and community activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you haven't gotten a chance to experience the museum this year, Juneteenth is the ideal day to visit NAAM to see our two newest exhibits: Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See and Interrupting Privilege.
We will be hosting Juneteenth arts and crafts for kids as well as a KIP Book giveaway.
Celebrating Fathers: Juneteenth Celebration
NAAM’s 2nd Day of Juneteenth Celebration continues with our Father’s Day Celebration!
Enjoy free admission on Father's Day for a special celebration of community and fatherhood. Bring the entire family to enjoy in-person interactive story times throughout the day as well as a Juneteenth film festival. We will have food from more local delicious food trucks and enjoy music from Seattle's own jazz band, Goody Bagg.
Additionally, all fathers in attendance will receive a special Father's Day appreciation gift from NAAM.
NAAM Annual Skate Party: Juneteenth Celebration
NAAM’s 3 Day Juneteenth Celebration begins with our Annual Juneteenth Skate Party on Saturday, June 15 at Judkins Park from 12PM -5PM. Attendees will enjoy skates for rent, a variety of food truck vendors, music, and more. We will also have a variety of community product and service vendors in attendance to share with attendees new information, products, and services offered throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Additionally, museum will be open all day for visitors to stop by.
Sistah Scifi Book Tour 'Archangels of Funk'
In partnership with the Sistah Scifi, join us at NAAM for a book talk with author Andrea Hairston about her latest book, ‘Archangels of Funk'. This a fantasy, science fiction novel that at it’s core explores how you should determine how best to honor her elders and her history, while building a future for herself and her charges.
Click the link to register to attend today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sistah-scifi-book-tour-archangels-of-funk-tickets-896620926327
'Shuttlesworth' Film Screening & Discussion
Join NAAM for a FREE documentary film screening of ‘Shuttlesworth’ followed by a Q&A with the films co-producer T. Marie King. ‘Shuttlesworth’ follows thelife and triumphs of Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, hero, civil rights activist, and friend to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Community Health and Resource Fair
Join NAAM and Public Health Community Health Services for the Community Health and Resource Fair. We will have a variety of health and service vendors for attendees to explore and learn more about how to improve overall health & wellness.
Sounders FC Day
In honor of Women’s History Month join us at NAAM for Sounders FC Day! The first 200 museum visitors will get in FREE when they wear the Sounders FC gear or colors. Attendees will enjoy the following activites throughout the day:
11:00: Film Screening of ‘Pele: Birth of a Legend’ directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist
1:00: An in-person Interactive Story Time Reading of ’I am Extraordinary’ by Stephen Curry
(There will be a "special giveaway" of copies of "I Am Extraordinary” for attendees of the reading)
1:30: Soccer Clinic & KIP Books and Balls Giveaway where we’ll giveaway the book ‘Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World’ by Vashti Harrison
2:15: Raffle giveaway announcement for signed Sounders FC jersey.
3:30: Film Screening of ‘Alive & Kickin: The Soccer Grannies of South Africa’
Food will be available for purchase from the food truck, Swagg-n-Wagon known for the “best fried chicken in the NW.”