NBAF is a cultural compass and living archive. Explore what we’re reading, hearing, seeing, and creating below.
Lonnie G. Bunch III
Our bookshelf pick this month is A Fool's Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump by Lonnie G. Bunch III, a compelling memoir that chronicles the remarkable journey of bringing one of the nation's most significant cultural institutions to life. Blending personal reflection with behind-the-scenes insight, Bunch recounts the triumphs and challenges of building the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, revealing the perseverance, vision, and collaboration required to transform a long-held dream into a national landmark.
Both inspiring and deeply human, Bunch's storytelling explores the intersections of leadership, history, and public memory while demonstrating why preserving Black history is essential to understanding the American story. His account offers an intimate look at the obstacles overcome. Thoughtful, candid, and uplifting, A Fool's Errand is an essential read for anyone interested in Black history, cultural stewardship, and the enduring power of institutions that preserve our collective memory.
Creative AF is our monthly nod to the culture-shapers, boundary-pushers, and vision-bearers whose work makes us pause, move, and think.
Amy Sherald is a celebrated contemporary painter whose portraiture has redefined the visual language of American realism by centering the everyday lives and experiences of Black Americans. Born in Columbus, Georgia, and now based in the New York area, Sherald is best known for her luminous, large scale paintings that combine grayscale skin tones with vibrant color to create striking, psychologically rich portraits. Her groundbreaking practice has earned international recognition, including the 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition from the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and the commission to paint the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Sherald's work explores identity, representation, and the complexity of Black life through carefully composed images that celebrate dignity, individuality, and imagination. Her paintings have been exhibited at leading museums around the world and are held in major public and private collections, solidifying her place as one of the most influential artists of her generation. Through portraits that invite reflection and challenge conventional narratives, Sherald continues to expand conversations about race, history, and the power of seeing oneself represented in art.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a place of history, discovery, and reflection that explores the richness and complexity of the African American experience and its profound impact on the story of the United States. Through immersive exhibitions, powerful artifacts, multimedia installations, personal narratives, and interactive experiences, the museum chronicles centuries of Black history, culture, achievement, and resilience, from the era of slavery and emancipation to the Civil Rights Movement and the remarkable contributions of Black artists, innovators, leaders, and communities whose influence continues to shape the nation today.
At its core, the museum is a space for dialogue, understanding, and connection, inviting visitors to engage with stories of perseverance, creativity, and cultural expression across generations. By preserving these histories and placing them within the broader American narrative, the museum encourages meaningful conversations about identity, justice, innovation, and citizenship while inspiring visitors to recognize that African American history is an essential part of the American story and a vital foundation for understanding our shared past, present, and future.
📍 Washington, DC
https://www.greenwoodrising.org/
