Black History Month: Gallery celebrating trailblazing Black women on display in DC – WTOP News

It was purported to be a one evening present, however now a touring museum that celebrates the contributions Black ladies have made to the world is on show in three main U.S. cities, together with D.C.

The Museum for Black Women in Northeast D.C. is a pop-up gallery stuffed with eclectic artwork shows paying homage to African American ladies whereas celebrating their tales, experiences and “Black Woman Magic.”

“All of my work as a photographer is devoted to empowering and elevating the work of Black ladies,” mentioned Charlie Billingsley, the museum’s founder.

Billingsley, a 34-year-old photographer from Denver, was trying to find a method to rejoice her birthday again in 2019 when she developed the idea for the immersive artwork museum.

The occasion that was deliberate for one evening has now lived on as a touring museum over the previous three years.

“I actually needed to create an area the place we’re not highlighting the traumas of Black ladies or Black ladies being indignant,” Billingsley mentioned. “I needed to focus on the enjoyment of being Black.”

The self-funded museum can also be family-run. Von Ross is the museum’s co-creator and Billingsley’s aunt. She thought the idea was stunning and remembered what she informed her niece on the evening of their first opening.

“I mentioned, ‘that is larger than you,’” she mentioned, recalling telling her niece. “That is what the group wants. That is what our folks want…you possibly can’t do that for sooner or later.”

Ross inspired folks to cease by the museum to rejoice Black Historical past Month.

“This can be a excellent spot to come back and rejoice the achievements of Black ladies,” Ross mentioned. “We’re celebrating all of the wonderful issues that we do, that we have now accomplished and that we’re going to do.”

The museum remains to be increasing. The founders mentioned the subsequent pop-up might be in New York, North Carolina or on the West Value. The idea may quickly change into world – Billingsley mentioned a London area is within the works and he or she’d like to do a pop-up at Ghana’s Afrochella.

The D.C location is at 1256 4th Avenue in Northeast. It’s open Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday excursions are by appointment solely. Admission is $32.