Upcoming Events

New events added frequently to this calendar. Check back regularly to learn about exciting, newly added events.


The Descendants Series with Ilyasah Shabazz
Mar
7

The Descendants Series with Ilyasah Shabazz

In partnership with the  King County Library System and Seattle Opera, join us for an inspiring evening with Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of civil rights icon Malcolm X, also known as Malik el-Shabazz being held at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center.

Reflect on the legacy of one of the most influential figures in history through the lens of his daughter’s unique perspective. Hear as she brings Malcolm X’s narrative to life, weaving together her personal insights behind his biography and underscoring the enduring power of his message. The talk will provide a rare opportunity to connect with history and be inspired to continue his work to resist oppression, challenge injustice, and fight for social and political equality.

Watch Series Virtually Here

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Genealogy Live (Interactive Workshops)
Feb
17

Genealogy Live (Interactive Workshops)

Register to Attend Here and learn more about the workshops below.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Sharing Research and Stories of Enslaved Ancestors 11AM-12PM

Are you having trouble breaking the 1870 brick wall for a branch of your family? This presentation from the Robert F. Smith Family History Center team will explore how to find enslaved ancestors using slave schedules, wills and inventories and history blogs. Lunch will be provided.

Genealogy Live 1PM-2PM

Join the Robert F. Smith Family History Center team from 11AM-12PM where they will share best practices in family history research, test the knowledge of the audience through black genealogy and history trivia, and invite a guest to begin tracing their family tree.

We will conclude with a Q &A. Lunch will be provided.

Internships and Fellowships Talk 3PM-5PM

Learn about the program’s approach to hands-on training, mentorship, and community. Organizations, career centers, and universities will learn how to create impactful internship programs, while students gain a behind-the-scenes look at the museum world, and receive guidance to tailor their applications and experience for optimal learning and career growth.

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Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams
Feb
15

Black History Month Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams

Join us for our Black History Keynote with Dr. Doretha Williams and her family history team from the Smithsonian Museum. Dr. Doretha Williams will be NAAM's keynote speaker in honor of Black History Month where she will discuss Black family history and genealogy. Dr. Williams' presentation honors NAAM's tradition of hosting a Smithsonian scholar for Black History Month.

Click to Register to Attend Here

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King Day 2024
Jan
15

King Day 2024

Join NAAM for our annual King Day celebration honoring the life, legacy and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy a day at NAAM full of music, movies, motivational speakers, and activities for the entire family.

During the celebration, we will be debuting a new exhibit entitled Interrupting Privilege hosted by The Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE). This interactive exhibit will be an immersive mixed-media experience where attendees learn the history and methodology of Interrupting Privilege and have the unique opportunity to listen to recorded dialogues as we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. together. Register to experience Interrupting Privilege Here.

Check back soon for a full list of community activations and activities at NAAM on this momentous day!

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Interactive Story Time
Dec
10

Interactive Story Time

Enjoy a reading of “Does Santa Look Like Me?” written by Ariel Young and illustrated by Monika Wnek.

The book follows the journey of AJ, a young black boy who is super excited about his family Christmas and visiting with Santa Claus, until he realizes that all the toys on the toy aisles and all the Santa Claus decorations look nothing like him. Sweet and affirming, Does Santa Look Like Me? is an ode to the importance of positive representation and diversity in popular characters like Santa for children. The gift of representation will empower kids of all races for years to come.

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.

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Interactive Story Time
Nov
12

Interactive Story Time

Enjoy a reading of “Little People Big Dreams: Stevie Wonder” written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Melissa Lee Johnson.

The book is about the life of Stevie Wonder and his astonishing talent on the piano and other instruments. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the great musician’s life.

Watch Interactive Story Time Premiere Here: https://youtu.be/kuMK2BvvQGk

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.

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Ayana Mathis Book Launch: The Unsettled
Nov
2

Ayana Mathis Book Launch: The Unsettled

Join us for the book launch of The Unsettled by New York Times Best Selling author, Ayana Mathis. The story is set in the 1980s in racially and politically turbulent Philadelphia and in the tiny town of Bonaparte, Alabama. The Unsettled  follows the journey of a mother fighting for her sanity and survival.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ayana-mathis-book-launch-the-unsettled-tickets-706798763127?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Dr. Blair LM Kelley on “The Roots of the Black Working Class”
Oct
25

Dr. Blair LM Kelley on “The Roots of the Black Working Class”

Join us as Dr. Kelley illuminates the adversities and joys of the Black working class in America through a stunning narrative centered on her forebears.

A tide of commentary has obscured the labor, and even the very existence, of entire groups of working people, including everyday Black workers. In this brilliant corrective acclaimed historian Blair LM Kelley restores the Black working class to the center of the American story.

This free event is presented in partnership with Northwest African American Museum and is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, author series sponsor Gary Kunis, and media sponsor The Seattle Times.

Register to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-blair-lm-kelley-on-the-roots-of-the-black-working-class-tickets-695700267227?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Interactive Story Time
Oct
8

Interactive Story Time

Enjoy a reading of “Ayomide and Seyi's Kitchen: A Kids’ Guide to Plant Based Nutrition from A to Z” written by Margaret Towolawi, MD and illustrated by Anabella Ortiz.

The book is narrated by six year old Ayomide who takes you on a fictional tour of various plant-based foods, including some interesting facts - with his four year old little sister, Seyi, alongside him. This ABC book is a "bite-sized" course on plant-based nutrition while keeping readers engaged through beautiful illustrations.

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.

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Seattle Black Panthers Fight for Justice and Freedom Documentary Film Preview and Book Talk
Oct
5

Seattle Black Panthers Fight for Justice and Freedom Documentary Film Preview and Book Talk

Join us at NAAM for our October First Thursdays program, an advanced film preview of the Seattle Black Panthers Fight for Justice and Freedom Documentary Film. Following the film preview, there will be a Q&A session with activist, author, and former captain of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party, Mr. Aaron Dixon and director and producer of the documentary film, Mr. Rick DuPree. Mr. Aaron Dixon will also discuss and sign copies of his book My People are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain. 

Register to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-black-panthers-documentary-film-preview-and-book-talk-tickets-721157791367?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ticketing for the event is by museum admission: $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for Seniors, $5.00 for Youth

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Flow Gaines Yoga
Sep
20

Flow Gaines Yoga

Join us in Legacy Hall on September 20th for a yoga class with instructors from Wellness Gaines Fitness in Renton, Washington .

You'll experience a blend of different yoga styles, suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our skilled instructors will guide you through gentle stretches, strengthening poses, and relaxation techniques to improve your flexibility, strengthen your body, calm your mind, and cultivate a sense of mindfulness.

Bringing a yoga mat from home is encouraged. NAAM will provide bottled water and light snacks for after the class.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flow-gaines-yoga-event-at-naam-tickets-706773999057?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Grandparents Day & African American Elders Day
Sep
10

Grandparents Day & African American Elders Day

In partnership with the Mayor's Council on African American Elders and sponsored by AARP, join us for Grandparents Day that will include the induction of four elders into the Elders Circle, KIP Book giveaway, spoken word performance, interactive story time, free food, live music, and more. There is complimentary admission for seniors.

Register to Attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grandparents-day-african-american-elders-day-celebration-tickets-710273104977?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Interactive Story Time | Virtual and In-Person
Sep
10

Interactive Story Time | Virtual and In-Person

In honor of Grandparent's Day, join us at the museum or virtually on YouTube for a reading of “When I am Old With You” by Angela Johnson and illustrated by David Soman.

The story follows a child who imagines being old with his Grandaddy and joining him in such activities as playing cards all day, visiting the ocean, and eating bacon on the porch.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.

Click here to enjoy!

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Late Nites and Bites
Sep
7

Late Nites and Bites

We are excited to partner for Late Nites and Bites with neighborhood food trucks and local vendors and businesses. Explore the Northwest African American Museum until 7pm, grab some snacks, and make new friends. At 6PM join us for a 21+ Play Time Game Show. Audience members will volunteer to participate in rounds of games such as dancing, improv, trivia and more.

Register for the Play Time Game Show here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/late-nite-play-time-at-naam-tickets-706761832667?aff=oddtdtcreator

Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, Seniors and Military w/id and $5 for Youth.

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Freedom Weekend | Day 3
Aug
28

Freedom Weekend | Day 3

Join NAAM for Day 3 of a 3 day celebration of life, freedom, and community as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March for Freedom and Jobs. Day #3 is the Community Panel. The panel will reflect on the progress made and not yet achieved, the importance of inspiring change, how we can empower our future, and explore methods of building a just society. The panel will be comprised of community leaders, including labor and elected officials. A Q&A will follow allowing attendees to ask questions or make comments.

Visit https://www.naamnw.org/freedom-weekend to learn more.

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Freedom Weekend | Day 2
Aug
27

Freedom Weekend | Day 2

Join NAAM for Day 2 of a 3 day celebration of life, freedom, and community as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March for Freedom and Jobs. Day #2 is the Film Festival & Rally which features 5 documentaries about the March for Freedom and the history of freedom fighters in America. At 3PM you can also meet at NAAM for a rally that ends at MLK Jr. Memorial Park.

Visit https://www.naamnw.org/freedom-weekend to learn more.

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Yoga at NAAM
Aug
24

Yoga at NAAM

Join NAAM for a FREE Yoga Class in Legacy Hall taught by Jessica Dennis of Corepower Yoga. We encourage people to set an intention and to leave judgments of themselves and others at the door. This class is unpretentious, playful and transformative.

Bringing yoga mats from home is encouraged.

Registration Link Here

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Book Talk with Debbie Haggin
Aug
13

Book Talk with Debbie Haggin

Join the Northwest African American Museum as we spend the evening with Debbie Haggin as she reads her new book "Debbie Dreamer" in Legacy Hall and then join us for a Q&A. The book will also be available for purchase.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/booktalkdebbiehaggin

The talk is free for museum members. Museum ticket entry is required for non members $10 for adult and $5 for youth. Additional donations are welcome. https://www.naamnw.org/donate

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Interactive Storytime Reading
Aug
13

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.

Click here to enjoy!

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Late Nites and Bites
Aug
3

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.

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Late Nites and Bites
Jul
6

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.

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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