The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, located in Sacramento, California, stands as a testament to the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans. Founded in 1996 by Shonna McDaniels, a visual artist and community activist, the museum is dedicated to preserving Black history and celebrating the accomplishments of African American people and their legacy. Initially named the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum, it was later renamed the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum to better reflect its core mission.
Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum Founder Shonna McDaniels in front of a museum art display.
The Museum's Mission and Vision
The museum's mission is to open minds and change lives by exploring and celebrating African American history, experiences, and culture through art, wellness education, and outreach. Its vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African Americans inspire everyone toward a greater understanding of acceptance and unity. The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum offers resources to document, preserve, and educate the public on the history, life, and culture of African Americans.
The museum gives homage to Mrs. Sojourner Truth by expanding the historical & biographical knowledge of her life’s work and carrying on her mission by teaching, demonstrating, and promoting projects that accentuate the ideals and principles for which she stood.
A Journey Through African American History
Walking into the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum feels like stepping into a living timeline. The museum’s visual journey begins in ancient Africa, with statues depicting ancestors, animals, and deities, symbolizing humanity’s origins. One standout is the “Golden Milk Project,” designed by McDaniels herself. The SOJO Museum in Sacramento is known for its extensive collection of historical Black art, featuring installations that spark conversation.
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Youth docent and Sacramento City College student Myana Myrica often begins her tours by encouraging visitors to breathe in preparation for the heavy emotions the museum may evoke.
A display depicts the Transatlantic Slave Trade on view at the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum.
The museum has a diverse wealth of knowledge and it is the only museum in California's State Capital that is dedicated to the exhibiting African American history.
The SOJO Archive is a repository of materials relating to African and African-American history, heritage, and culture. The museum features murals, art installations, exhibitions, and programs representing different cultures.
Highlighting Unsung Heroes and Untold Stories
The museum emphasizes that African American history does not begin with slavery. Nasara McDaniels-Keys showed CBS13 the exhibit on Black cowboys, asking "Did you know that the first cowboys were Black?" dating all the way back to a 14th-century African emperor, Nasara showed us first their display on Mansa Musa, a story she had never learned in class.
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One piece of history often not taught in school is Sacramento's own. "This is Sojourner Truth's will," Nasara showed CBS13. "And this would have been a replica dress of what she would have worn during those times." It is rich heritage on full display.
The museum also highlights the Great Migration, when six million Black people moved North to flee Jim Crow laws and segregation in the American South. They would use the "The Green Book" when they would migrate.
Inventions, too, like the world's first cell phone, created by Black inventor Henry T.
Programs and Initiatives
The museum programs are dedicated to creativity and social change within the context of an evolving, healthy community. The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, commonly known as The SOJO Museum, has been dedicated to serving youth and families in the South Sacramento area since 1996. The museum's mission is to empower youth from culturally diverse backgrounds to expand their minds and imaginations while providing a safe environment that fosters creativity, encourages healthy lifestyles, and builds social skills.
SOJO serves as both a traditional museum and an educational center for children, youth, families, and the local community. SOJO is Sacramento’s only museum featuring African and African American art, artifacts, and multicultural murals.
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The museum offers a variety of programs and initiatives, including:
- Youth Docent Program: A workforce development initiative that trains high school students to become museum docents.
- Outreach for the Arts and Education: Supplements the school curriculum by offering museum tours, workshops, and activities.
- SMUD Shine Summer STEAM Camp: Connects youth and seniors.
- Creative Arts Program: Unites youth and seniors.
- African Marketplace: Held every first and third Saturday, featuring a pop-up market highlighting African American business owners, live music, and food for the entire family.
- Community Murals Program: Collaborates with local and national artists to design and paint murals that beautify, improve public spaces, and advance equity for underserved communities.
The Founder's Vision
Shonna McDaniels' journey to become an art activist began in childhood. “My parents believed having a strong sense of identity was essential. Our home was filled with Black art,” said McDaniels, who grew up in Sacramento. Prior to 1996, McDaniels was one of the co-founders and artists of the Visual Arts Development Project, teaching art classes, conducting workshops and organizing art exhibits throughout the Oak Park and Del Paso communities.
In addition to her Executive Director duties, she is also a professional artist, teacher, muralist and community activist.
McDaniels’ contributions have been recognized by Council members Lauren Hammond, Bonnie Pannell, Larry Carr, as well as Mayor Kevin Johnson, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Visiting the Museum
The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is located at 2251 Florin Rd. #126 Sacramento, CA. 95822, on the corner of 24th and Florin inside the Florin Business Arts Complex. The museum is open Wednesday by appointment and Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays.
The museum relies on donations and volunteers to continue its important work. By donating to Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum, your contribution will assist the organization in its efforts to:
- Activate a safe space for expression to highlight African American art, history, and culture that inspires everyone to learn, grow, and thrive.
- Provide career development and professional training to youth, local artists, and seniors.
- Offer free and low-cost education programs where youth are not turned away because their families cannot afford them.
- Upgrade our interactive technology and multimedia equipment for our media and resource center.
Organization Data
Here is a summary of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum's organization data:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (National Academic Youth Corp) |
| Mission Category | Arts, Culture & Humanities |
| Operating Budget | $500,001-$1 million |
| Organization Need | Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, Space: Office or Other, Volunteers, Technology |
| Demographics Served | Youth & Children, General population |
| Leadership | Executive Director/CEO |
| Local Counties Served | Sacramento |
| Service Areas | Sacramento, CA, US; Stockton, CA, US; San Francisco, CA, US; Oakland, CA, US |
