[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SOJOURNER TRUTH AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2023

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Sojourner Truth African 
American Heritage Museum for contributing to Sacramento's rich history. 
Since 1996, the museum has served as an institution dedicated to 
community education, and the celebration of African American art, 
history, and culture.
  The Sojourner Truth African American Heritage Museum honors the 
legacy of Sojourner Truth, not only by dedicating exhibits to her life 
and work, but also by enriching and empowering community members in the 
spirit of her activism. The Museum showcases a timeline of African 
American history, spanning across thousands of years from 14th century 
African kings to modern day icons. Exhibitions also honor innovators 
and their contributions to American culture by exploring topics such as 
Black Cowboys, Black Inventors, the Harlem Renaissance, and Black 
Millionaires. Sacramento's history is brilliantly displayed and 
highlights the reconstruction of Dunlap's Dining Room, Sacramento's 
first African American-owned restaurant and the Dana Maeshia Wall 
Library and Media Station, commemorating local hero Dana Maeshia, who 
served her community in life with literacy programs for African 
American children.
  The Museum also hosts a variety of programs and workshops that invite 
community members to explore artistic interests and engage in skill 
development. Some of these programs foster youth personal and 
professional development, such as the After-School Mentorship Program 
and the Youth Entrepreneurial Development Program. The Youth Docent 
Program, a recent 2021 addition, hosts seven students in paid 
positions, offering them the opportunity to foster community outreach 
and visitor engagement skills.
  Mr. Speaker, today we honor the Sojourner Truth African American 
Heritage Museum for educating and enriching the Sacramento community, 
and I thank Founder and Director, Shonna McDaniels, as well as the 
Museum's partners for making the continued success of this institution 
possible for the Sacramento region.

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