Upcoming Events
New events added frequently to this calendar. Check back regularly to learn about exciting, newly added events.
Interactive Storytime Reading
Watch a reading of “Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965” written by bestselling picture-book author Jonah Winter and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Shane W. Evans.
The story follows Lillian, a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, who makes a “long haul up a steep hill” to her polling place, she sees more than trees and sky—she sees her family’s history. She sees the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment and her great-grandfather voting for the first time. She sees her parents trying to register to vote. And she sees herself marching in a protest from Selma to Montgomery.
The Interactive Story Time will go live on our official YouTube channel at 1PM. Ring the bell on our Youtube page to be notified about all upcoming Interactive Story Time releases.
Book Talk with Debbie Haggin
Join us for a Book reading event in Legacy Hall with Debbie Haggin as she reads her new book “Debbie Dreamer” followed by short Q&A. You will have the option to purchase the book after the event. Light refreshments will be available.
Click the link to register today: www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-with-debbie-haggin-tickets
African Yoga at NAAM
Join NAAM for a FREE Yoga Class in Legacy Hall taught by yogi and psychiatrist, Shereen Morse. African yoga is practiced at a slower pace than more common asana classes. There is a greater focus on mediation and the energy centers of the body. This practice includes deep breathing, meditation, and physical movements with the goal of connecting to one’s innate wisdom. Shereen encourages people to set an intention to leave judgments of themselves and others at the door. Her classes are unpretentious, playful and transformative.
Bringing yoga mats from home is encouraged.
Freedom Weekend | Day 1
Join NAAM for Day 1 of a 2 day celebration of life, freedom, and community featuring a variety of events and activations. Registration link and more details to come.
Freedom Weekend | Day 2
Join NAAM for Day 2 of a 2 day celebration of life, freedom, and community featuring a variety of events and activations. Registration link and more details to come.
Late Nites and Bites
We are excited to partner for Late Nites and Bites with our neighborhood food truck Tummy Yummy. Explore the Northwest African American Museum until 7pm, grab some snacks, and make new friends. Admisison is $10 for Adults, $8 for Studnets, Seniors and Military w/id and $5 for Youth. Due to our extended covid-19 closure, we are not partipcating in the First Thursday Free Museum program at this time. "Play Time" Game Show feature for adults."
Interactive Storytime | Virtual and In-Person
In honor of Grandparent's Day, our September Interactive Story Time selection will be When I am Old With You by Angela Johnson.
Late Nites and Bites
Enjoy a day at the museum with local food vendors supplying your favorite bites into the night. Explore the Northwest African American Museum until 7pm, grab some snacks, and make new friends. Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, Seniors and Military w/id and $5 for Youth.
In-Person Interactive Story Time Reading
Join NAAM for an in-Person Interactive Storytime Reading in NAAM's Community Living Room featuring a children's book about Frederick Douglass.
Registration to Attend Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-interactive-story-time-in-the-community-living-room-tickets-664886281767?aff=oddtdtcreator
Late Nites and Bites
Enjoy a day at the museum with local food vendors supplying your favorite bites into the night. Explore the Northwest African American Museum until 7pm, grab some snacks, and make new friends. Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, Seniors and Military w/id and $5 for Youth.
Nova's Pride Yoga Class
NAAM and Core Power Yoga are offering a free Yoga class celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month on Wednesday, June 28th at 6:30 pm. Join us in Legacy Hall at the Northwest African American Museum for Nova's Pride class: a beautiful, accessible yoga class with Nova to deepen your alignment.
Yoga mats provided are in limited supply, we encourage you to bring a yoga mat from home.
Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/novas-pride-yoga-class-tickets
KIP Giveaway-Octavia Butler Day
In partnership with Langston Hughes Performing Arts and MOPOP NAAM plans to to giveaway 150 books.
Main Juneteenth Celebration & Skate Party at Judkins Park
Monday, June 19 celebrate the final day of NAAM’s 3-Day Juneteenth Celebration with the Juneteenth Skate Party. In partnership with Roll Around Seatown, join us for the Juneteenth Skate Party at Judkins Park. Skate rentals are complimentary. Spend the day with NAAM to enjoy a variety of other activities including two yoga classes hosted by our partners, Corepower Yoga and a reading with Dr. Arunga. The party will feature local vendors, amazing music and great food.
NAAM Film Festival
Join NAAM for a screening of 5 films celebrating Juneteenth, Black History, and Black Culture in Legacy Hall.
The films include:
13th by Ava Duvernay
Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom by Stanley Nelson
1619 Project: Race by Nikole Hannah-Jones
Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom by Rasool Berry
Juneteenth: The Galveston Story by KHOU
Youth Day and Game Show | Juneteenth
NAAM will celebrate Black youth and devote the day to Black youth programming. There will be storytelling, a KIP giveaway, a soccer clinic led by Sounders FC/RAVE Foundation and Cultures United, and more. The Sistah Sci-Fi Book Vending Machine will launch this day as well.
Juneteenth Celebration
Our annual Juneteenth celebration at NAAM returns this year with 3 days full of events for the entire community to enjoy.
➡️ Day 1 Game Show & Youth Night
➡️ Day 2 NAAM Film Festival
➡️ Day 3 Juneteenth Skate Party Celebration
Each day caters to the community in a different way and culminates with a celebration on Juneteenth featuring a skate party, yoga in the park, black vendors and more! Registration is not mandatory to attend, but feel free to register to get updates and event reminders.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-2023-celebration-at-naam-tickets-639766036437
We look forward to seeing the community celebrate together.
Late Nites and Bites
We are excited to partner for Late Nites and Bites with our neighborhood food truck Tummy Yummy. Explore the Northwest African American Museum until 7pm, grab some snacks, and make new friends. Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, Seniors and Military w/id and $5 for Youth.
Malcolm X Day
Save the Date for our Annual Malcolm X Day event that celebrates the life and legacy of Malcolm X on his birthday on May 19, 1925. The museum admission will be FREE! This year, enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family including an in-person Interactive Story Time reading of ‘Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly’ by Walter Dean Meyers as well as a film screening from 6:00PM -8:00PM.
Before the screening begins, enjoy delicious soul food from Soul Fusion food truck. They will be serving from 4:00-7:00PM.
Register to attend for FREE here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/malcolm-x-day-tickets-633533775577
Shared Legacies: The African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance Event
Please join us for "Shared Legacies: The African American - Jewish Civil Rights Alliance" film screening and panel discussion, a partnership between ADL Pacific Northwest, the Holocaust Center for Humanity and the Northwest African American Museum. This program is being held during Jewish American Heritage Month and recognizes the long historical relationship between Jewish Americans and African Americans. Held at NAAM on Thursday, May 11 at 5:30pm, tickets are $20/person. This includes general admission and snacks, plus access to the pre and post programs.
Register for the Event Here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/46cm/n?vid=xzvig
Artist Talk with Shantell Jackson: The Intersection of Art and Healing
In this artist talk, artist Shantell Jackson will discuss the ways in which art can be a force for healing and transformation. We will explore the intersection of art and healing through stories, examples, and interactive activities. Join us for an insightful and inspiring look at the intersection of art and healing.
Art has been used as a form of healing for centuries. The practice of art-making can be a powerful tool for self-expression, resilience, and transformation and resistance. It has been used to help people heal from physical and psychological trauma, to promote understanding and acceptance of one's identity, and to explore the depths of our inner and outer worlds.
Register to Attend Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-with-shantell-jackson-the-intersection-of-art-and-healing-
Artist Yeggy Michael Speaks
Artist Yeggy Michael will share his art and artistic journey in two parts.
Part One | 5PM to 5:45PM
For the general public and will focus on his philosophy and career.
Part Two | 6PM to 6:45PM
For artists and will demonstration to artists how they can produce prints in their studio and make money.
Register Here to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-yeggy-michael-speaks
Late Nites and Bites
We are excited to partner for Late Nites and Bites with our neighborhood food truck Tummy Yummy. Explore the Northwest African American Museum until 7pm, grab some snacks, and make new friends. Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, Seniors and Military w/id and $5 for Youth.
Click the link to review the Tummy Yummy menu: https://www.seattlefoodtruck.com/food-trucks/tummy-yummy
Book Talk with Clint Smith
Join the Northwest African American Museum as we talk with #1 New York Time Bestselling author, Clint Smith about his latest book Above Ground.
Register to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-with-clint-smith-tickets-569932061137
April Interactive Storytime: Fannie Lou Hamer
Join NAAM for part 2 for a storytime reading of “Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer”, written by Carole Boston Weatherford. This children's book brings to life the story of one of the most important civil rights leaders Fannie Lou Hamer.
This program is sponsored by PNC Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union and City of Seattle Equitable Communities Initiative.
Community Health and Resource Fair
In partnership with Public Health - Seattle and King County, NAAM will host a Community Health and Resource Fair. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends for an informational and fun day at the Northwest African American Museum. In honor of Public Health Week, this event will offer resources and information to support personal, family and community health and wellness.
Let's Talk Art with Vincent Keele
Join us for a discussion with Colors of Life exhibit artist, Vincent Keele as he works on a new painting with holding a conversation moderated by our program curator Eric Salisbury .
Lo's Paint & Chat
Enjoy an afternoon getting to know and painting with Lo Mar! Not only will she talk about her pieces in the current exhibit at NAAM, but she will also perform a live painting session while answering the audience's questions about her journey and process. The finished painting that is created during her artist talk will be auctioned off and all proceeds will go to NAAM. Hope to see you all there! All ages are welcome & encouraged to join the fun!
Intro to Vinyasa Yoga Class 2
An inspiring, beginner level Vinyasa Yoga class with yoga instructor Auzelique, followed by a Q&A.
Descendants Series: Jacqueline Hamer Flakes
Join the Northwest African American Museum on March 16th for our next Descendants Series featuring Jacqueline Hamer Flakes, the daughter of Fannie Lou Hamer, moderated by Erica Williams of the Poor People’s Campaign.
Intro to Vinyasa Yoga Class 1
This will be an upbeat, beginner level Vinyasa Yoga class with yoga instructor Jess, followed by a Q&A.
March Interactive Storytime: Fannie Lou Hamer
Join NAAM for a storytime reading of “Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer”, written by Carole Boston Weatherford. This children's book brings to life the story of one of the most important civil rights leaders Fannie Lou Hamer.
This program is sponsored by PNC Bank and City of Seattle Equitable Communities Initiative.
Sounders FC Day
In honor of Women's History Month, Sounders FC is partnering with NAAM to offer free admission all day to museum visitors wearing Sounders FC gear (jersey, hat, scarf, etc.) or team colors. Bring out the whole family on Sounders FC day for photos, a books and balls giveaway for kids, and an opportunity to see former Sounders FC players Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani at 2:00 p.m.
Black History Month Research and Writing Workshop for College Students
The Northwest African American Museum is partnering with the University of Washington Libraries' Special Collections to offer two Research and Writing Workshops in February for Black History Month. The Research and Writing Workshops will be held in person on February 15, 2023 and February 22, 2023 at the University of Washington Special Collections Classrooms. During the workshops, UW faculty will provide instruction on how to conduct archival research and utilize UW’s Special Collections Virtual Reading Room. The instruction and research scavenger hunt will utilize resources that relate to Black History such as the zines in UW's Collections that relate to the Civil Rights Movement. NAAM will provide an introduction and short background lesson on Black History Month and its celebration in the Pacific Northwest. NAAM's Education & Engagement Director, Cali Slair, PhD, along with UW librarians and graduate students will assist students with research and writing assignments for the final portion of the workshop. Each workshop will be 3 hours in length and students will be able to attend in person and virtually. The first workshop will be for high school students and the second workshop will be for college students. The maximum number of students able to attend in person is 30 due to the classroom size. Registration is required for attendance.
Black History Month Keynote Program
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month. NAAM will hold an in-person riveting conversation with Dr. Damion Thomas, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture Curator of Sports. Be inspired, informed, and ignited for action.
Black History Month Research and Writing Workshop for High School Students
The Northwest African American Museum is partnering with the University of Washington Libraries' Special Collections to offer two Research and Writing Workshops in February for Black History Month. The Research and Writing Workshops will be held in person on February 15, 2023 and February 22, 2023 at the University of Washington Special Collections Classrooms. During the workshops, UW faculty will provide instruction on how to conduct archival research and utilize UW’s Special Collections Virtual Reading Room. The instruction and research scavenger hunt will utilize resources that relate to Black History such as the zines in UW's Collections that relate to the Civil Rights Movement. NAAM will provide an introduction and short background lesson on Black History Month and its celebration in the Pacific Northwest. NAAM's Education & Engagement Director, Cali Slair, PhD, along with UW librarians and graduate students will assist students with research and writing assignments for the final portion of the workshop. Each workshop will be 3 hours in length and students will be able to attend in person and virtually. The first workshop will be for high school students and the second workshop will be for college students. The maximum number of students able to attend in person is 30 due to the classroom size. Registration is required for attendance.
February Interactive Storytime: “Jake Makes a World”
This book explores the creative adventures of the young Jacob Lawrence as he finds inspiration in the vibrant colors and characters of his community. It was written by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt.
This program is sponsored by PNC Bank and City of Seattle Equitable Communities Initiative.
ACE at Seattle University Game
NAAM’s African American Cultural Ensemble (ACE) will perform the anthems at Seattle University’s men’s basketball game. Ticket purchase is required.
Ongoing Programs
Virtual Exhibit
Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I A Woman by Hiawatha D.
Virtual Exhibit
Algorithm:Archetype by Christopher Shaw
Online Education Program
Dr. Carver Gayton Youth Curator Program
Digital Quote Series
Historians On Hope
Past Events
