The Black American West Museum highlights the often-overlooked role of Black Americans in the development of the American West.
Black American West Museum is a cultural institution that seeks to preserve and share the history and contributions of African Americans in the western United States.
History
The Black American West Museum was founded in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart, a Denver Colorado resident and teacher. The museum is located in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado’s first African American female doctor. Dr. Ford’s home has been preserved and restored as a historic site and now houses the museum’s exhibits.
Phone number: (720) 242-7428
Website: https://www.blackamericanwestmuseum.org/
Impact on the Black Community
The Black American West Museum provides an important cultural and historical resource for African Americans in the West. By showcasing the contributions of Black cowboys, pioneers, and homesteaders, the museum highlights the often-overlooked role of Black Americans in the development of the American West.
Impact on the White Community
The Black American West Museum also provides an opportunity for non-Black visitors to learn about the contributions and experiences of African Americans in the West. By educating the broader community about Black history in the American West, the museum fosters greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of the Western experience.
Influence on Culture
The Black American West Museum challenges traditional Western narratives and offers a more accurate and inclusive history of the region. By highlighting the stories and accomplishments of Black pioneers and cowboys, the museum helps to broaden our understanding of what it means to be a Westerner.
Importance
The Black American West Museum is important because it highlights the often-overlooked history and contributions of Black Americans in the American West. By sharing these stories, the museum challenges historical myths and fosters a more inclusive understanding of Western history.
How to be an Ally
Non-Black allies can support the Black American West Museum by visiting the museum and learning about the history and contributions of Black Americans in the West. Allies can also support the museum by sharing information about its exhibits and programs with their networks and communities.
Sources:
- Black American West Museum website: https://www.blackamericanwestmuseum.org/
- “Black American West Museum & Heritage Center” by Renée Ater in The Black Scholar (2008)
- “Black Cowboys Finally Get Their Due” by John Wenzel in The Denver Post (2012)