Black History Museum of Virginia one out of four in nation on UNESCO’s list

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is one out of four places in the United States that is included on the inaugural UNESCO list.

The UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory has included this Black History Museum of Virginia in its inaugural list — the museum is one out of only four in the country to make the list.

“I’m thrilled that UNESCO has recognized the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia in their work to advance the essential memory and education of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and its victims through the creation of this new network,” said Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of BHMVA. “To say we are thrilled to be selected as one of the UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory linked to Enslavement and the Slave Trade is an understatement.”

According to the Black History Museum, the original purpose of the list is to build a network which allow members their good works, preservation and education.

“The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is driven by our mission to share, interpret, preserve, exhibit, and commemorate the rich history and culture of African Americans throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond,” continued Gullette. “This recognition affirms we are succeeding in our efforts. It is our call to action to continue to do this work with pride, integrity, and vigilance. To tell the historically significant and indelibly intertwined narrative of the role of Richmond, Virginia, and the enslaved Black bodies who were here, in the full context of the national and global fight for freedom is our honor.”

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