AT&T Gallery
"Gridiron to Greatness: African Americans in Professional Football"
Extended to September 2006

This exhibition chronicles the history of blacks in professional football in general and the NFL in particular.  Specific players will be highlighted from various time periods illustrating the outstanding achievements of black athletes on the field, in the community and in the athlete's post professional lives.  The issue of racism and the role of sports desegregation will be explored through use of artifacts, photographs, video and memorabilia.  This exhibition is sponsored by National City Bank.

Bank One Gallery
"Unmasked! Stereotypes in American Material Culture"
December 1, 2005 - June 4, 2006

This exhibition explores stereotypical material culture manufactured in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth (and now manufactured in Japan). Produced since the demise of slavery these images attempted to impose a servile status on African Americans. Often grotesquely rendered, these figures presented as cookie jars, coin banks, tea cozies, ashtrays and the like, serve as points of reference for continuing discussions about asymmetrical racial status, stereotyping, and the uncritical acceptance of white material culture as black memorabilia.

Coleman A. Young Exhibition Room
"Images of Human Rights: South African Prints"
Extended to July 8, 2006

This exhibition features 28 fine art prints, created by artists representing nine provinces in South Africa.  Hand printed by Jan Jordan, the portfolio was released in 1996 in commemoration of new post-Apartheid nation's Bill of Rights.

Contemporary Artists Gallery (Multi-Purpose Room) 
"Illumination: The Rhythm and Music of Color
Paintings by Dawud Muhammad"
June 14, 2006 - October 1, 2006

Over 30 works inspired by music and spirituality are presented in this collection of paintings by Dawud Muhammad. As an artist, he remarks: "I'm attracted to the intensity of color..." Muhammad, a native Detroiter, translates his interpretations of such themes as rhythm, thought and meditation into abstract forms and distinct, vibrant color combinations.  

Dawud Muhammad is Minster at the Nation of Islam's Muhammad Mosque #1 in Detroit, Michigan.

Meet Dawud Muhammad at a complimentary reception on Sunday, June 18, 2006 in the Wright Museum’s Multi-purpose Room. This event takes place at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public.

Contemporary Artist Program
sponsored by MCACA
This unconventional gallery program allows both emerging and established African American Artists and Artists of African descent, in the Detroit region, to exhibit their artwork at CHWMAAH.  Two-dimensional art (paintings, photography and other two-dimensional works) are exhibited in the museum's Contemporary Artists Gallery rooms.  This gallery space is also used for facility rentals, including everything from corporate rentals to family reunion gatherings.  Call 313-494-5817 for details.  You can also email: artist program.

Main Level Corridor
"Stories in Stained Glass: The Art of Samuel A. Hodge"
April, 2004 - present

The works of art included in this long-term installation focus on three areas of African American culture and history.  "The Musicians," celebrates everyday people who have exercised their right to interpret the world as they see it through songs and instruments.  "Dance and Dancers," on the other hand, honors those artists who use their bodies as the medium to express non-verbal emotions, themes, and ideas.  And "Freedom Advocates," is dedicated to notable African Americans who fought and died to ensure their dignity and freedom for themselves and their people.  Vivid, colorful and luminescent, this exhibition provides extraordinary imagery and stories in a medium seldom used by African American artists.

Lower Level Corridor
"A is for Africa"
June, 2004 - present

Comprised of twenty-six interactive stations, A is for Africa, organized by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, presents a three-dimensional "dictionary" designed for children in pre-school through fourth grade. This long-term installation introduces young visitors to an array of interesting persons, places, events, ideas, foods, and objects important to understanding the histories and cultures of Africa. While focusing on young children, those who are older will certainly find this activity enjoyable, engaging, and educational. The Skillman Foundation and Target Corporation are the sponsors for this exhibition.

Core Exhibition Gallery

And Still We Rise is our journey through African American history and culture. This remarkable odyssey began in Africa more than 3.5 million years ago and ends here, in modern Detroit. It is a story of survival, of unique cultures, the horror of slavery and the joy of emancipation. It is also a testament to the courage, determination, ingenuity and spiritual energy of African Americans as they pursued the full rights of citizenship.

Our exhibition tells just some of the stories that African Americans have experienced and we expect to tell many more. Designed to incorporate new elements, the exhibit will periodically be revitalized with changing imagery and artifacts. Join us as we explore the lives of African Americans who are still searching, still believing and still rising!

 Experience And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture