ABOUT

Our mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history, experiences and culture through art education and outreach. 


Our vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspire everyone toward a greater understanding of acceptance and unity!

In 1996, Shonna McDaniels, a visual artist and community activist, envisioned an institution to preserve Black history and celebrate the accomplishments of African American people and their legacy.


As a result the previous name of Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum changed to Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum. We offer resources to document, preserve and educate the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans.


The museum is named for Sojourner Truth who, although born a slave, worked tirelessly for abolition, women’s rights, non-violence, and civil and economic advancement of oppressed people. The museum gives homage to Mrs. Sojourner by expanding the historical & biographical knowledge of her life’s work and carrying on her mission by teaching, demonstrating and promoting projects that accentuate the ideals and principles for which she stood.

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shonna McDaniels

Shonna McDaniels founded the Sojourner Truth Art Museum in 1996. In addition to her Executive Director duties, she is also a professional artist, teacher, muralist and community activist. Prior to 1996, McDaniels was one of the co-founders and artists of the Visual Arts Development Project, teaching art classes, conducting workshops and organizing art exhibits throughout the Oak Park and Del Paso communities. Though the museum is based in South Sacramento, it’s legacy throughout the Sacramento region is renowned to grass roots organizations, professional artists, politicians and the business community. McDaniels’ contributions have been recognized by Council members Lauren Hammond, Bonnie Pannell, Larry Carr, as well as Mayor Kevin Johnson, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The museum programs are dedicated to creativity and social change within the context of an evolving, healthy community.

ABOUT THE FLORIN BUSINESS ARTS COMPLEX

Florin Business Arts Complex is home to over 50 African American owned and operated businesses and non-profit organizations. It is a gem in Sacramento that is dedicated to diversifying businesses across several different verticals. 


This business complex hosts the African Marketplace every other Saturday! 

Board of Directors

National Academic Youth Corps (NAYC), the parent organization for the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (SOJO Art Museum), was incorporated in 1996. The Board of Directors comprises five public, private, and non-profit individuals. These Board Members are charged with shaping the organization's path and guiding it as it expands its operations.



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Chairman/President,

William Mc Daniel


William Mc Daniel’s, a California State Correctional Officer for 30 years, has helped rehabilitate inmates and was recently voted Officer of the Year. Retired State of California Correctional Officer 2023 is the Andre Morris Foundation Executive Director, a nonprofit formed with Community Correctional Officers of Color

Vice Chair,

Dale F. Morris


Vice Chair, Dale F. Morris, PSP, Director, Trauner Consulting Services, Inc. Dale is an expert with over 30 years of experience in construction management, CPM scheduling, claims analysis, risk analysis, earned value analysis, and training.

Secretary,

Marquis Marcilous


Marquis Marcilous, Night Market Series LLC Co-Founder, BA in Business Administration and Human Resource Management.

Treasurer,

Bobbyie Waters


Bobbyie Waters is the Chairperson of African Americans for Balanced Health (AABH) and an Analyst at the U.S. Department of Transportation. I am honored to hold the position of Treasurer on the Board of Directors at Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum.

VISIT Culture Collection

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OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

These organizations have supported or collaborated with SOJO in the past, and some continue to partner with us or fund our programs.

SOJO TEAM

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  • The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is grateful to the New Helvetia Brewing Company for helping to raise funds for our organization. 

    The Black is Beautiful beer is part of a national campaign and conversation around elevating awareness of injustices faced by BIPOC on a daily basis and demanding justice and change.

    Every four-pack and pint helps to support the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum here in Sacramento!

    OUR DONORS


    • Dr. Carolyn Minor
    • Robin Ware
    • Joseph Pollakoff
    • Candy Jackson
    • Vacaville Medical Facility
    • Felicia Armelin
    • Angelia Wiggons
    • Senator Richard Phan
    • Council member Larry Carr
    • Allen Warren
    • Home Depot 
    • Kaiser 
    • Mr. Long 
    • Kinsleys Art Club
    • Harold Jackson
    • Laura Jackson
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