The City of Jackson and Ella Sharp Museum are coming together to tell the stories of Jackson’s African American community for Black History Month 2021! Throughout the month of February, artifacts and displays relating to Black History from Ella Sharp Museum will be shared with the community on the City’s website and social media platforms.
The City is entering its third year of celebrating Black History Month on social media. In 2019, the City shared the stories of local African Americans who made an impact in the Jackson community and nation. 2020 had City staff highlighting important places that effected the lives of African Americans in Jackson.
From an 1893 African American City Directory to a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest sign, social media posts for the 2021 commemoration will spotlight a wide array of artifacts important to Jackson history. All posts will contain photos of artifacts with interpretation that explains its significance.
John Willis, the City’s Chief Equity Officer, is looking forward to this partnership with the local museum. “The Ella Sharp Museum is a wonderful resource for all things Jackson history. As the City begins multiple racial equity efforts, it’s important that we’re mindful of Jackson’s Black History and what it can teach us,” Willis said.
The Ella Sharp Museum is excited to work with the City of Jackson to share stories of Jackson’s Black History. “We hope you find them inspiring and that they paint a richer picture of Jackson’s diversity. We are actively working to expand our collections and want to tell more stories by and about people of color. We would love to hear your story and add it to our collection,” said Diane Gutenkauf, Executive Director of the Ella Sharp Museum.
The Black History Month posts will be shared on the City’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages throughout February, starting Monday, Feb. 1. A collection of posts will also be available on cityofjackson.org/blackhistory.