Making the Most of Your Visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture

The grand opening of the  National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was almost two years ago, but getting your hands on tickets can still be quite a challenge. But luckily, for the entire month of September, entry to the museum will be on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday.

If you haven't heard by now the museum can be very emotionally moving experience, but also overwhelming. The beautiful building, designed by David Adjaye features six levels of galleries that could easily take a few days to explore. With over 36,000 artifacts, documents and media in its collection, it's important that you have a strategy to make the most of your visit.

Like all Smithsonian museums, admission is always free. However, timed passes to visit the museum are required for entry. Same-day timed passes are available on their website beginning at 6:30 a.m. daily. However, veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders do not require a pass to visit the museum and may bring one guest along with them. As mentioned previously, for the entire month of September, individuals may enter the museum on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday.

Here’s 10 tips on how to make the most of your visit to the NMAAHC:

1. Eat a big breakfast (or lunch) before you go. Food is not allowed in the museum, but various food options are available at the museum's Sweet Home Cafe. View the menu here.

2. Take public transportation to the National Mall. Parking in downtown DC can be (an expensive) challenge. Taking the Metro train to the Smithsonian stop is a much smarter option, with the NMAAHC within walking distance. View the Metro map and time schedules here.

3. Check the events calendar and list of special exhibitions before you arrive. Prioritize the exhibits you definitely want to see during your visit. Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture is the newest.

4. Download the NMAAHC app before your visit. Available for iOS and Android here.

5. Wear comfortable shoes for hours of walking and standing.

6. Bring bottled water. It is allowed in the museum.

7. Arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled ticket time.

8. Pack light. There is no coat check so be prepared to carry your coat or bag with you throughout the museum.

9. Start on the top floor and work your way down. This is the best strategy to avoid the crowds if you don't want to waste time standing in line for the lower-level galleries.

10. Don’t try to read every artifact’s description. Every item in the museum is intriguing, but you won't get to see much if you try to read every detail. Use your first visit to get an overview and dive in for more detail on a future visit.

Fountain inside the NMAAHC's Contemplative Court

 (photographs by Leah Castleberry)

Spike Lee’s Most Underrated Films

This past weekend, Spike Lee’s latest joint, BLACKkKLANSMAN, produced by Jordan Peele, opened in theatres nationwide. The film is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department, who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in 1978. The film, starring John David Washington (son of long-time Spike Lee collaborator Denzel Washington), won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival last May and received great reception from critics.

The film also ties in a number of references to racism in the Trump era, leaving you saying "did you catch that?!" in the theatre. BLACKkKLANSMAN also makes several direct references to the deadly white supremacist protests and counter-protests in Charlottesville, Virginia; BLACKkKLANSMAN premiered on the 1-year anniversary of the protests. 

Season two of the revival of She’s Gotta Have It, a modern twist on Spike’s sexy 1986 debut film of the same name, will be released on Netflix this fall. He also produced and directed a series of documentary shorts for Uber, Uber Presents Da Republic of Brooklyn. Spike’s recent projects have re-introduced Lee to a new generation.

While Spike is best known for his now classic films of the late 80s and 90s his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced everything from commercials to documentaries in its 40-year history.

These are some of Spike Lee's most underrated works beyond Do the Right Thing (1989) and Malcolm X (1992)…

Bamboozled (2000)

This satirical drama offers a social commentary on race in America in the early 21st century that is now more relevant than ever. Starring Damon Wayans, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Savion Glover, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Tommy Davidson, Paul Mooney, and Michael Rapaport.

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When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)

Four-part documentary series premiered on HBO, chronicles the experiences of various New Orleans residents during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

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Crooklyn (1994)

This film, written by Spike's sister, Joi Lee, follows a family living in 1970s Brooklyn through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl named Troy. Starring Zleda Harris, Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, and Isaiah Washington.

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4 Little Girls (1997)

This HBO documentary tells the true story of the four young African American girls who died in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. Commentary provided by many of the girl's parents, siblings, and childhood friends.

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Get on the Bus (1996)

A group of black men from all walks of life travel by bus from Los Angeles, California to the 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C., organized by Minister Louis Farrakhan. Starring Ossie Davis, Hill Harper, Bernie Mac, Isaiah Washington, Wendell Pierce, and Harry Lennox.

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What's your favorite Spike Lee Joint? Leave a comment below.

These Unforgettable Maya Angelou Quotes Are Words to Live By!

This year, Dr. Maya Angelou would have celebrated her 90th birthday!

She became the first African American woman best-selling author of a non-fiction work with the release of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sing in 1969, considered an American classic. She would go on to release six additional books in here series of autobiographies. A dancer, singer, writer, director, and actress, she was the quintessential artist and a truly "Phenomenal Woman." President Barack Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

You can stream her documentary Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise for free here until April 30th. 

In remembrance of her and the many gems she left with us, here are just a few of Dr. Angelou's quotes that are worthy of reflecting on regularly and integrating into our daily lives:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Nothing will work unless you do.”

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

Dr. Maya Angelou

(April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014)

images from https://www.mayaangelou.com