The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art partnered with President Lincoln’s Cottage in 2022 to commission an installation by Beninois artist Georges Adéagbo. Created with the goal that the artwork might join the museum’s collection, this installation is Adéagbo’s vision for us. With Create to Free Yourselves, Adéagbo invites each of us to consider our individual reflections of Abraham Lincoln and the unfinished journey toward emancipation for all.
Renowned artist Georges Adéagbo invites us to consider the incomplete project of emancipation for all in the exhibition Create to Free Yourselves: Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America (Créez pour vous libérer: Abraham Lincoln et l’histoire de la libération des esclaves en Amérique). Join the artist, his creative partner Stephan Köhler, and senior curator Karen Milbourne as they discuss Adéagbo’s journey envisioning this project, from his time as a Smithsonian Artist Research fellow to its presentation at President Lincoln’s Cottage, the Chesterwood Museum, and now in its final home, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.
Johnnetta Betsch Cole Photograph by Boston Photography
Magdalene Johnson Obaji Photograph by A.B. Johnson, courtesy 231 Media
Celeste Watkins-Hayes Courtesy Keesha Morrison
Lonnie G. Bunch III
is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and first historian to be Secretary of the Institution. He oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. He received France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor, in 2021.
Johnnetta Betsch Cole
is the author and editor of numerous books, president emerita of Spelman and Bennett Colleges, director emerita of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art, and former chair and president of the National Council of Negro Women.
Magdalene Johnson Obaji
is the president and chief executive officer of NIS Solutions Corp., a woman-owned information technology services and management consulting company. Obaji has been a member of the advisory board of the National Museum of African Art since 2012, serving in a variety of capacities, including cochair (2016–19) and chair (2019–23).
Celeste Watkins-Hayes
coedited Speechifying and is the Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Jean E. Fairfax Collegiate Professor of Public Policy, and professor of sociology at the University of Michigan.
Internationally renowned artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah addresses the global COVID-19 pandemic, murder of George Floyd, and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter in this visual essay of our times.
Drawing upon an extensive archive of images that mix iconic works of art with scenes shot and gathered in the globally fraught 18-month period between 2019 and 2021, Five Mumurations considers Akomfrah’s insights into post-colonialism, diasporic experience, and memory.
In the event of a government shutdown, the National Museum of African Art will remain OPEN through at least Saturday, October 7, by using prior year funds. Visit si.edu for updates.
En caso de un cierre de Gobierno el 1 de oct., los museos, centros de investigación y el Zoológico del Smithsonian permanecerán ABIERTOS al menos hasta el 7 de oct. El Smithsonian utilizará fondos del año anterior que aún tiene disponibles para hacerlo. si.edu
Join us for hands-on activities, dance, peer-to-peer presentations, educational games, stories, and book signing.
Presented in collaboration with the Africa Memory Game, Howard University Center for Africa Studies, Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association (ASA) and YehieEl Design. Special participation by Culture At Home, homeschool of D.C and Kings College Lagos.
You are now a Member of the National Museum of African Art. Thank you for supporting what we do! You can increase your giving at any point to gain increased access to the museum. Email NMAfAMembership@si.edu with any questions. Thank you!
