Black Soil: Our Roots Run Deep Exhibition – January—March 2026

"Art is Business" An exhibition by the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum at the Sacramento History Museum. 

African American agricultural history is a rich legacy marked by the forced labor of enslaved people who brought crucial skills from the motherland; the post-slavery struggle for land ownership amid systemic discrimination; and the groundbreaking innovations of figures like George Washington Carver and Henry Blair. Despite a significant decline in Black farm ownership due to discriminatory lending and other barriers, this history continues to be shaped by cooperative movements and a deep connection to the land. This exhibition will honor the legacy of African Americans in Agriculture on both a broad scope and a local perspective.

We are excited to have a host of community partners bringing knowledge, artistic talents, art and artifacts to this exhibition.

Community partners include:

Sacramento History Museum- Executive Director, Delta Mello, and Heather Reynolds, Museum Exhibits Manager: 

Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum- Shonna R. McDaniels, executive director, Project Manager, and Artist in Sacramento.

Clarence George III, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Director of the Cooper Woodson College Enhancement Program, Pan African Studies Program, Department of Ethnic Studies

“If you can control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his action. When you determine what a man shall think you do not have to concern yourself about what he will do.  If you make a man, feel that he is inferior, you do not have to compel him to accept an inferior status, for he will seek it himself. If you make a man, think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door.  He will go without being told; and if there is no back door, his very nature will demand one.”  

― Carter G. Woodson, The Miseducation of the Negro (1933) 

Dr. Tanisha Jackson, Assistant Professor in African American Studies and Director of the Community Folk Art Center at Syracuse University.

CSUS Sankofa Research Team, Sacramento State University (Sankofa Group), 

California State University, Sacramento, Internship & Student Development Manager, Graduate Research Lead, Sankofa Museum Project.

CSUS IMPACT Fellow, Ethnic Studies & Psychology Researcher

Dr. Miller, the new Chair of the Art History Department at Sacramento State University

Professor Alana Infinity

Professor Sade Turnipseed -Cassie Sade Turnipseed, MS, MBA, PhD  

Yisrael Farm

Featured  Artists Installation

Artist Curtis Wayne Riley Jr

Artist Helen Plenert (Cotton and Carver wood installations)

Gallery 157 co-owners Milton Bowens and Daphne Burgess

Photographer Kareem Daniels

Featured Shovel  Installation Artists

Alpha Bruton, Phantom Gallery Chicago- artist/chief curator, and archivist for Pop Up Research Station.

Shawntay Gorman, 

Lee McCormick

Niamah McDaniels

Shonna McDaniels - artist/activist/muralist/archivist

Judah Pimentel

Helen Plenert

GOS ( Gerry Simpson)

 

"Act as if what you do makes a difference, it does" ~ William James

Hazel Crest Open Lands: “Art in the Woods” Placemaking Project

One Resident's Story-  by William G. Hill

Hazel Crest Open Lands: “Art in the Woods” Placemaking Project

The Hazel Crest Open Lands "Art in the Woods" placemaking project is an exciting initiative to transform our community's landscape by integrating art with nature. This project strives to engage residents at every step, inviting them to participate in both the design and installation of a captivating collection of sculptures. These artworks will serve as visual focal points and catalysts for connection during community gatherings.

Each sculpture will be carefully crafted to embody the unique character of our local Arboretum, skillfully incorporating elements that highlight the area’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and shared community values. The designs will take inspiration from the vibrant flora and fauna of the region and significant historical and cultural narratives that resonate with the residents.

Karl Persons and William G. Hill

Over the past three years, the Hazel Crest Open Lands Area has achieved significant milestones, culminating in its esteemed Level II Accreditation. Guided by the Open Lands Committee, the mission is to transform the sprawling fifty-three (53) acres along Kedzie Avenue, situated between 171st Street and the I-80 interstate, from an overgrown, invasive brush-choked wilderness into a vibrant and inviting woodland that enhances the quality of life for residents and serves as a valuable community asset.

Hazel Crest Open Lands Area

The Open Lands Beautification Commission is evolving beyond its initial focus on physical transformation. In recent years, it has expanded its programming to include educational presentations and invited guest speakers at Commission meetings, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. Additionally, the Commission has embraced the rich diversity of cultures within the community and actively engaged in innovative Climate Change Projects in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and Morton Arboretum. 

Their efforts have not been limited to reforestation; the Commission has meticulously labeled hundreds of trees and diligently identified and cataloged various species, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the local ecosystem. This multifaceted approach beautifies the area and educates and unites residents, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation and community involvement.

The committee has creatively enhanced fire hydrants that were initially used as placeholders during the early stages of housing development in the picturesque Open Lands. They have skillfully transformed unsightly tree stumps along the winding pathways into inviting seating areas, providing rest stops for passersby. Large boulders now elegantly cover manhole covers, ensuring public safety and adding natural beauty to the surroundings.

 

In addition to these improvements, the Open Lands Committee hosts a delightful annual tree-lighting event each December, bringing the community together to celebrate the holiday spirit. They also organize community planting days, inviting residents to join in the effort to beautify the woodland areas with vibrant flowers. These activities highlight and enhance the area’s natural splendor, fostering a deeper connection between the community and the environment.

As the Arboretum evolves with an increasingly diverse collection of trees, we envision that the introduction of new artistic installations will enrich the landscape, creating captivating spaces for visitors to explore. This enhancement will not only beautify the area but also provide vital green spaces that support the mental and physical well-being of our community. Those who engage in the process of placemaking and take on the role of stewards will foster a vibrant environment that encourages connection, relaxation, and appreciation of nature.

Presentation Gathering Space entrance to the Open Lands

• Work with the Homewood-Flossmoor High School Science Department, Hillcrest High School, and Grammar School Districts 144 and 152 ½ to augment the students’ classroom education. 
• Develop a brochure to promote the Open Lands to the education staff of the local schools. 
• Providing an outdoor classroom for the students will bring some realism and hands-on experiences to their education.

Passing of President Jimmy Carter Celebrating his Support for and Engagement with the Arts.

"Art is Business"

Following the recent passing of President Jimmy Carter, the news has been full of his impact on U.S. environmental policy and human rights. We were glad to see this article in ARTNews celebrating his support for and engagement with the arts, particularly during his presidency. Carter signed the bill that doubled the NEA’s budget and had a clear vision of the relationship between public and private funding to support the arts. Beyond his presidency, Carter was involved with the NEA’s Your Town program (now called the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design) and participated in two sessions hosted in Plains, Georgia, his hometown and life-long residence. 

Plains, GA

At 83 years old, President Carter rode his bicycle to the workshop, reinforcing everyone’s desire to create more walkable and livable communities. The workshop speakers and exercises focused on building civic capacity and leadership skills within the Latino community, as well as the inclusion of manufactured housing into existing community fabric.

The last time Your Town was in Plains, Georgia, was 2002, with a workshop focused on the issues faced by historically African American communities. At that workshop, President Jimmy Carter suggested that Future Your Town be focused on the Latino communities in Georgia. From December 13-16, 2007, Su Cuidad (Your Town) hosted 25 community leaders from throughout Georgia. Pratt Cassity, Public Service and Outreach Director from the University of Georgia School of Environmental Design, coordinated the workshop. Joining Pratt were groups of colleagues from UGA that specialized in the issues facing the Latino community.

The workshop speakers and exercises focused on building civic capacity and leadership skills within the Latino community. The design problem addressed the inclusion of manufactured housing into the existing community fabric.

Maurice Cox, the Endowment’s new Director of Design, attended the entire workshop. This was Mr. Cox’s first Your Town experience, and it was wonderful that he could see the workshop in its entirety.  The keynote speaker canceled at the last moment, and Maurice volunteered to speak. The participants all found his presentation inspirational and perfect for the needs of the workshop.

As we had hoped, President Jimmy Carter stopped by to say hello to the workshop participants. Pratt gave President Carter a symbolic key to Your Town. At 83 years old, President Carter rode his bicycle to the workshop, reinforcing everyone’s desire to create more walkable and livable communities.

-Excerpted from Your Town: Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design, Update, Fall, 2007

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT SOJOURNER TRUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM

"Art is Business" FRCBP   Report by Daphne Burgess Bowens

The public outreach campaign involves high school students from Luther Burbank High

School, a school within the Sacramento City Unified School District. The project includes a paid

internship program where students will adopt the area around Luther Burbank High School and

develop ideas for improvement. 

This self-directed outreach campaign may consist of options such as performing litter source assessments, conducting business outreach to offer local businesses cigarette and trash receptacles, adopting an area to routinely clean up litter, organizing clean-up events, and beautifying the neighborhood with public art. Students will be led by a paid college student(s) and guided by Keep California Beautiful mentors and local business owners.

The broader community beautification stretches from the Florin Square Shopping Center

(home of the Sojourner Truth African American Museum) along Florin Road and towards Highway

99. The Project will include creative placemaking such as banners, box wraps, murals;

water/sound features; interactive structures; wall poetry; landscaping; and museum signage. The

works of art will provoke thought by providing an educational platform for children, youth, and

families to engage and read the historical content created on the art pieces.

The first Earth Day in 1970 mobilized millions of Americans from all walks of life to birth the modern environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future.

EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. Our theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls to advocate for widespread awareness of the health risks of plastics, rapidly phase out all single-use plastics, urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demand an end to fast fashion. Join us as we build a plastic-free planet for generations to come!

Design Charrette facilitated by William G. Hill Gallery Director

Pop Up Research Station CAFE - presents William G. Hill. 

Artist Design Charrette facilitated by William G. Hill Gallery Director

A collaborative planning or design session, often involving interested third parties such as public officials and environmentalists, in which problems relating to a proposed project are discussed and solutions adopted in a limited time frame.

Highly dedicated to the scholarship of art criticism within the genre cinema and contemporary art, as well as initiating aesthetic and philosophical discussions on the production, meaning, and reception of art in postmodern culture.

The creation and implementation of national and international exhibitions. Selecting emerging and established artists for major fine art exhibitions. Utilizing curatorial practice to challenge traditional forms of representation.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center is a not-for-profit garden space. We display a living collection of native and cultivated plants near the vicinity of Hyde Park Academy.

We aim to educate, engage, and encourage youth of all ages about the value of plant diversity, sustainability, and community well-being.

Goals and Objectives

We aim to develop community programs and innovative ways to explore, understand, and save plants. We assist youth, adults, and seniors in the exploration of hands-on learning as well as enriching the lives of a community through fostering an awareness and appreciation of wellness and plant diversity.