October 2010

Dear NAAM Friends,

It's fall, a new school year, and an exciting time for me as NAAM's Education Assistant. I am involved with a range of education programs that connect kids and adults of all ages with our unique exhibitions.

Tours of our exhibits are one of the ways NAAM touches young people – since opening in 2008, over 4,000 school children have participated in our docent led school tours. During our first summer art camp last July, youth from the Atlantic Street Center not only learned how to make art from recycled materials, but they also connected with NAAM's exhibition, East by Northwest, highlighting the stories of Ethiopians in our community. Many of the students' families are from Ethiopia, and while touring East by Northwest one student shared with the group how her family continues the traditional coffee ceremony. She went on to demonstrate how to wear a traditional kappa – cape – and you could see the pride on her face as well as the admiration from the other students. When students teach each other, I've met my goal to not only provide educational experiences, but also empower students to celebrate and share their own unique histories and stories.

Speaking of exhibitions—NAAM is thrilled to partner with the Swedish Medical Center to open a new exhibition this month, Checking Our Pulse. This exhibition portrays the achievements of African American medical professionals in the Pacific Northwest, and probes the realities of critical health issues impacting the Black community in our region. Please check our calendar for related events and upcoming exciting public programs.

Patrick Muturi, Veteran's Affairs Registered Nurse - 
one of many health care professionals celebrated in "Checking our Pulse"

Please help us continue our engaging education programs and school tours by donating to NAAM today. Your support of our annual campaign ensures that NAAM will reach even more children through our compelling exhibitions and education resources. Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by our Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matching grant.

I hope to see you here at NAAM soon!

Katie Williams
Education Assistant