Initiatives
Over the years, we’ve developed several initiatives to engage with the public and achieve our mission of creating a community of lifelong learners.
Below are a few highlights of recent developments.
Current Projects
Black HerStory Initiative
The Griot Museum of Black History earns one of Monument Lab’s $100k Re:Generation project grants to support the launch of its “Black HerStory Initiative,” which seeks to honor Black women whose contributions span political, social, and cultural spheres of the city through oral histories and public mark-making.
Ongoing Projects
Impact HIV/AIDS Initiative
Launched in 2018, this initiative seeks to document the history of HIV/AIDS in St. Louis’ African-American community while raising awareness about ongoing issues related to the disease. A community advisory board consisting of academics, activists, and service providers met regularly throughout the year. Preparations also began for an exhibit, scheduled to open in summer 2019.
The project’s first public event, a film screening and panel discussion for World AIDS Day, took place on November 30. Organizations supporting the initiative include Empower Missouri, the Missouri Foundation for Health, Washington University’s Divided City initiative, the Missouri Historical Society, Williams & Associates, BodyMindSpiritConnect, the St. Louis Department of Public Health, the St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, Food Outreach, Doorways, CHIPS Health and Wellness, and the St. Louis LGBT History Project.
The Griots Speak
The Griots Speak is a troupe of historical interpreters portraying local Black history icons both at The Griot and other venues. It builds on the success of off-site presentations by our part-time Manager of Community Engagement, Gail Delaney and the Juneteenth and Spirited Holiday celebrations.
A group of committed volunteers is working to institutionalize the program to enhance our interpretative presentation. They are engaged in conducting research, developing skits, and designing historically accurate costumes. The Griots Speak welcome additional volunteer members, assistance, and resources.
Educational Outreach and Community Engagement
In addition to on-site programming and activities, The Griot advanced its mission of education and community-outreach at a variety of off-site venues. We tabled at several public events, including the African-American Artifacts Festival and Bazaar, Pride St. Louis, the Arts & Culture Accessibility Cooperative Symposium at Paraquad, and the Missouri Day Festival at the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site.
Throughout 2018, The Griot also served as a monthly meeting place for the St. Louis Place neighborhood association. This made The Griot a vital space where nearby residents and property-owners gathered to discuss common concerns and learn about various neighborhood development projects. Griot staff members also served on several civic committees, including one formed to generate the Chouteau Greenway’s application for a Bloomberg public art Grant.
