Black History Highlights of Southwest Washington opens Feb. 18
The Vancouver National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) #1139 and Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) recently announced a public dedication for the new outdoor exhibit, “Black History Highlights of Southwest Washington,” at 1 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18.
“Black History Highlights of Southwest Washington,” created by local historian and artist, Claudia Carter, celebrates the vital contributions and stories of Southwest Washington’s Black community. The timeline explores the Black history of Clark County and Washington from early explorers to World War II to the present. The Vancouver NAACP hopes to inspire our youth, educate our community, and celebrate the accomplishments of Black people from Clark County. The timeline shares just a few stories of the many Black people who have contributed to this place we all call home.
“The NAACP Vancouver branch is excited to partner with the Clark County Historical Museum for the “Black History Highlights of Southwest Washington” exhibit.” said NAACP Vancouver Branch President Jasmine Tolbert, “Systemic racism in Clark County and all over this country has made it so Black History and narratives have not always been told, I’m grateful for the Clark County Historical Museums time and commitment to telling all of the history in Clark County.”
“Black History Highlights of Southwest Washington” will be open through 2024. This exhibit was made possible through the generous time, knowledge, and funding of the Vancouver NAACP. It was created under the leadership of community leader, ceramic artist, and educator, Claudia Starr Carter. The exhibit is based on the timeline originally composed for the exhibit, “The Lost Ark of African American Art, History & Experience in Vancouver and the Northwest,” held annually at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library since February 2018.
