*Last month, activist and filmmaker Tariq Nasheed unveiled The Hidden History Museum in Los Angeles, which “is the country’s first museum that specializes in featuring untold Black history that was deliberately omitted from popular discourse,” per the museum’s official website.
The Hidden History Museum is located in Jefferson Park. Per the website, “The initial funding for the Hidden History Museum came from an Indiegogo Crowdfunding campaign, where over one million dollars was raised in one month for the museum.”
“I had a random epiphany while driving down Crenshaw Bl. Something told me to open a museum in the area,” Nasheed said, Cover Hollywood reports. “Biddy Mason, who we feature prominently in the museum, was an enslaved woman who got her freedom in Los Angeles and subsequently became one of the wealthiest women in California. The church she helped establish-First, AME- is the oldest Black church in Los Angeles, and the current location of the church is in Jefferson Park. The Black man who designed the modern version of the church was Paul Revere Williams, who also designed many significant buildings and structures around Los Angeles. For me, being able to uncover some of those rich legacies is important.”
Several Hollywood A-listers attended the opening night festivities in February, where Vivica A. Fox co-hosted the event and offered a moving speech to the crowd, Eyes On Hollywood reports.
“God is good all the time. Before I was Vivica A. Fox, I lived in Englewood; much love to Tariq congrats on having the courage and vision to bring our history home. Some people say we become famous; we leave our roots but know we are always going to come back home. Thank you for the greens and catfish tonight, and Tariq for having the vision and courage to bring the Hidden History Museum to life here in our home,” Fox said.
Through its exhibits, the museum celebrates the achievements, culture, and resilience of African Americans throughout U.S. history. A mobile app, virtual reality, and augmented reality experiences is also available to visitors.
The Hidden History Museum reportedly features a conference room, entertainment room, art gallery, and movie theater.
The museum is hosting a mixer on March 25.
For more information go to www.hiddenhistorymuseum.com.
