As another year draws to a close, most of you will be in the midst of preparations for this festive season. This is a very special time of the year as it gives people a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday working schedules. It provides many of us with some time to enjoy the company of family and friends that is all too often missing for the rest of the year. I urge each and every one of you to reflect on these special moments and savor the relationships that we have tried so hard to cultivate over the years. 2023, without a doubt, has been one of the most exciting years. We were able to show a first-rate documentary at The historical Arlington Theatre, “Black Wall Street: The Greenwood Ave. Project” we hosted the Embassy of Switzerland this year during International Museum Day, we recognized civil rights Icon, Joan Mulholland and the museum on FOX 5 television twice this year. We were invited to speak at the Pentagon, we were featured on the PBS programs “If You Lived Here” and ARTICO TV show. We ended the year strong by receiving the prestigious Williard W. Brittain Jr. Community Appreciation Award from the NAACP and had very successful partnership program event with The Arlington Chorale held on December 9th, 2023. We are overjoyed.
The museum is also excited about the great progress in America. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Maryland elected it’s first African American Governor, the NFL Super Bowl had two African American quarterbacks for the first time, and right here in Virginia, Senator Jennifer McClellan became the first African American woman to be elected to congress from the commonwealth of Virginia.
While keeping with the spirit of this joyous time, it is equally important to thank the Black Heritage Museum’s official board of Directors, Mr. Craig Syphax, Dr. Drue Guy, Mr. Nestor Ymeli, Ms. Kim Phillip, Ms. Nancy Robinette and Mr. Angelo Lagdameo, for the tremendous effort they put in day in and day out to make sure that our museum is up and running successfully! Many of us do not see all the demands placed on our staff, but their work is greatly appreciated. I thank them for their dedication to the success of BHMA and for their tremendous input to the proper governance of our organization. I also wish to acknowledge the many supporters of our Museum.
Without your generous donations we could not continue. On behalf of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, Virginia, we hope this holiday season is an exceptionally good and safe one and that the New Year brings you much health, happiness and prosperity.
Dr. Scott Edwin Taylor
(President)
