Northwest now is supported in part by viewers like you.

Thank you.

Black history month is about recognition.

Yes, but learning is year round.

And that's the purpose of the northwest African-American Museum.

Inside the Coleman School building in Seattle Central District will meet the new CEO.

and celebrating Black History Month in West Seattle.

The Washington State Black Legacy Institute opens its doors and kicks off with a month long art exhibit.

February is Black History Month, and that's the discussion next on northwest.

Now.

You.

For 17 years, the Northwest African American Museum has been about centering African American history.

And the new CEO says that includes adding the context needed to illustrate how it fits within the larger history of the Pacific Northwest.

Brandon Byrd served as the museum's operations director until he was selected from a field of more than 90 candidates to be the new CEO.

Brandon Bird, thanks so much for coming to northwest now.

Great to have you here and talk a little bit about the Northwest African American Museum.

Let's start though, with your your bio.

And you got to give a shout out to Tacoma.

Talk a little bit about your early years and how you came up.

Yeah, I came up, born and raised in Tacoma, Washington to and went to Curtis, Junior High School and then, moved to, the heart of Tacoma became a stadium.

Tiger graduated from stadium high school.

Go, Tigers!

All right.

Talk a little bit about art.

It was kind of it.

Based on my reading, I think I feel free to correct me.

You know, the host of the show is people well know it doesn't always get it right.

It seems to me like art was kind of your first love.

Art is what kind of pulled you into academia and pulled and really captured your interest as a young person.

Yeah, actually, slight correction.

I had the opportunity to, move up to Seattle and work for a really beautiful, small arts college, Cornish College of the Arts, in downtown Seattle.

And that was my real introduction, to the full range and impact that art provides.

Great faculty, inspiring students.

And so as I became, or had the opportunity to take on more responsibility within my roles at the college, I started to have, a great desire to create additional resources and opportunities for those faculty and those students, to explore and experiment and hone their craft.

And really, I, I started to grow, more and more appreciative of what the arts offers.

And talk about you then how you got to Nam and how, how how did that all come together.

Yeah.

So, I had an opportunity where after five really intense years, and, working within the senior administration team at Cornish College of Arts to take a step back, recharge after Covid.

My batteries.

I was fortunate enough to be in a position to be able to do that.

And it was one of the craziest things that happened because, after, several months, I started to get the itch to get back into, the professional field.

I knew I wanted to continue with meaningful work in some way.

There, ended up being an opportunity in Nam to help with, leadership transition.

So I came in and in an interim role, after just about two, three weeks, I just fell in love with the mission of the museum.

Mission of the museum, is to use black heritage to cultivate healing and hope for all.

And we do that through exhibitions, programing, other activities.

And it was really, like, kind of like my career.

It was, one step at a time.

And through each step having a larger and larger opportunities.

And what a nice impact you started in operations.

Correct.

Which I think I, I'm a real believer in people matriculating up to the manager or the CEO spot.

Yes.

There's a class of people out there that bounce from Rose petal to rose petal as CEOs, once they kind of get their ticket punched.

I think in an organization, my favorite organizations, in the organizations that I think really work, the CEO or the GM or whoever it is, has come up.

And I think that's a real advantage.

I appreciate you saying that.

Definitely.

I'm, by a byproduct of, of kind of that process.

I've had a tremendous amount of opportunities to work with really great people, thought leaders, who have helped influence kind of, not only my skill set, but my, my, overall perspective of what is a healthy organization and how to really max out its potential.

Again, I think it was just so fortunate.

And, I'll be forever appreciative of the opportunity that was presented, given the timing, to be able to to work and steward, really, I think is what my lead role is now is to be a steward for the great foundation that was already set at the Northwest African American Museum.

Yeah.

And really ensure we are maximizing our full potential moving forward and really work on that sustainability piece, which I know is one of the major challenges for any arts institution or museum institution or, heck, public broadcasting.

You're you're always talking about.

Yes.

We got to keep the lights on and do the things, but sustainability is really where, how we plan.

And we have to think about it.

Talk a little bit about that and the challenges coming out of Covid for funding and trying to, not only set the goal for sustainability, but working toward achieving it.

Correct.

I know it's a lot.

No, absolutely.

But it's an it's a great challenge to embrace.

I think the sector overall is really, at a moment of introspection around visitor engagement.

And how that also relates to growth, needed growth, as, demographic shift and so certainly as at the top of our minds, not just how do we maintain our general operating budget and resources, but how do we position ourselves to grow and expand our influence in the work that we're doing?

And so that's being really attentive to your membership base, ensuring that we're presenting of, opportunities of value for their continued support.

Obviously, that extends to our, fabulous donors, our volunteers, to make sure there have any meaningful opportunities of engagement, and really listening to the community to ensure that we are reflecting back to them, exhibitions, programs, programmatic activities that they find meaningful, want to engage with.

Now, I want to talk about, since you brought it up, kind of about programing, about what I'm sure keeps you up at night.

We live in a world now where with TikTok five seconds, five seconds, five seconds, new thing, new thing, my attention span, it's zero.

My attention span is literally zero a museum.

It's even back in the day, it's hard to say.

Hey, come to the museum again.

You think you've seen it?

Well, we've got a few new things in there.

How in the world I, I to me, that just seems like the big issue for museums and things that have installations is keeping it fresh.

I mean, there isn't enough money in the world to change it out every 10s.

So I feel you've been a participant in our team meetings.

This is this is, very much, the topics that we discuss regularly.

I think we're in a really fortunate situation, even though we're a relatively small museum.

Just south of 20,000ft the majority of our, gallery spaces, an exhibition, areas offer, opportunities to purchase them as, blank canvas, more than a finished piece of work.

And so, again, it comes back to listening to the community, listening to your constituent piece about, subject matter material that they would find meaningful or they want to explore more and then, creating those opportunities through exhibitions.

So I think it was one of the more attractive elements, that I was introduced to when I came to Nam.

And we will continue to, like, push the envelope as it relates to our creative creativity.

But we're not we're not, confined, I guess, in a way that maybe other museums, you've got some flexibility with space.

You can do multimedia, you can do fixed installations, you can do participant participation things.

I mean.

Absolutely.

And then one of the things that we talk about, consistently, consistently within the team is how do we tell, the, the same story in different ways, right.

How are we able to, create, a more holistic understanding of a particular subject matter?

And that very much gets to the heart of, trying to answer the question, why, would you come back, every week to engage with the materials at the museum?

Well, hopefully what you're experiencing is something different each time you visit.

Different touch points.

Correct?

Yeah.

And then there's so much depth in the stories of, the black experience, especially the black experience within the Pacific Northwest.

The people are not as familiar with, as maybe they are with more, national subject matter.

And so we have almost an endless opportunity to share relevant historical truths with people.

And we really think that there's a tremendous opportunity, for us to maximize so that we do see, increased visitor shift.

We do see increased engagement.

I articulated the thing that I think keeps you up at night.

But I will say now, I'll articulate the thing that in my perception is kind of your home run, which is you cover a very specific square.

You're not the Museum of General History.

And that could be some of this, and it could be some of that.

Who knows?

You know, no, it's African American history in the Pacific Northwest, which means you can kind of own that space.

And like you said, add layer and depth to those stories.

That maybe gets people to reengage.

Talk a little bit about, the mission again, I think you've gestured rather than a couple of your answers, but, how do you view your mission?

And you said that stewardship piece, when it comes to the fact that you kind of own this one particular piece, which is very important, we certainly, you know, I think, how I would phrase is that we are, a foundational piece that people can gravitate towards.

Right?

So there's some great work that's happening in the community.

There's great work that's happening in the historical fields, and we can serve as an anchor that pulls these people to to us so that we can create and amplify, opportunities for people to learn about the significant contributions, within the black experience and specifically, again, to the Pacific Northwest, but also on a national scale.

So from this last, for example, this last June.

Yeah, you have Emmett Till.

Yeah, the Emmett Till and there was a full range of, emotional engagement from individuals that found the story too painful.

Previously to engage with for and then on the other side of the spectrum were individuals who didn't actually know the story at all.

Right.

And and, and we presented them with the opportunity for the first time to not just learn the story, but learn the historical truths in relation.

And that story.

So, so, so our arranges is predominantly focused on, the Pacific Northwest.

However, we, will lean into the opportunity.

Yeah, where appropriate to expand that boundary if some great exhibit is traveling the country.

Boom.

There you are.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

And and then certainly we have a responsibility as stewards of the museum to continue to be bold in our exhibitions and our programing.

It's, just in its 17th year, which still seems so young to me, especially coming from Cornish.

But it has such, a great track record of exhibitions and, experiences with thought leaders.

And there have been so many established leaders that have come through since since, the doors opened in March oh eight.

Nam was founded kind of interestingly, we have a little bit of an activism piece to it.

I can't remember when in the early 80s, I don't even yeah, maybe or 93.

You know, there's a group of artists and activists, occupy the Scott Coleman School and they're they they're in there for a while.

Then, Norm, gosh, Norm rice.

Yes.

A lot of this is out of distant memory, comes in, they get some funding and it turns into them and it becomes a thing is they're still an activist piece to this.

And I don't mean in a negative way, but kind of in a, like Emmett Till, this is a story you've never heard.

You need to hear it.

Okay?

I mean, there's activism and sharing some of those things.

Absolutely.

And certainly activism, predominantly is is to advance the, you know, the, the for the benefit of, of a particular area, a demographic or or or our collective group.

The museum is not a museum.

We do not come into creation without community activism.

And, or, the longest domestic, occupation is in our nation's history.

What is it?

Okay, that's an interesting piece.

And so, it was through that commitment, that community commitment that, created the environment.

Eventually for the creation of the museum.

And we will forever be indebted, to that commitment.

Yes, I think by, our commitment to ensuring that, the contributions, and historical truths of black Americans, within the Pacific Northwest, and then beyond, are known and celebrated and more importantly, understood.

It has an activist component to it.

But again, I would say that what ties this to our mission is the is the hope and healing for all.

Right.

I think especially now, it's, it's it's extremely important for us to amplify the great work that's happening in the community and really use our resources to share our story in a way that connects individuals, especially individuals who are not as familiar with those stories.

That's a great segue that I and let's flesh that out a little bit.

You're I'm not going to ask you necessarily how you feel about black Black Lives Matter in groups like that, but that's fine.

I don't want to put you in a spot, but you see yourself as a bringer together as opposed to a pusher, a partner.

And I think you and I think there's a distinction.

Certainly that's been our historical, starting point.

And, the culmination of our work thus far.

I think it's important for people to, find a interconnectedness, especially with individuals who come from cultural backgrounds, that they are not as familiar with.

I think we've seen especially, the last half decade, a potential, stalling, for that level of openness.

And we have an opportunity to influence individuals within our local region and also within the digital landscape.

Yeah, to contribute to a, a recommitment.

That's another one that exploring and encourage.

That's another one that's keeping you up at night, which is how do you how do you get into the digital world?

How do you turn this from a museum into a museum that's online and has digital resources?

I'm sure you're.

Yeah.

Very interesting.

Over time, the museum was closed for three years because, as, impact of Covid, and had no other means, to reach its constituents except for to go online.

And they did as, as, as, over its history shown to do they did it in remarkable ways.

When it reopened on Martin Luther King Day, January 23rd, with tremendous turnout, for our visitor ship on that day and through and sent, you it did not engage as many, online programing activities as it had during its the period it was closed.

I definitely see as an opportunity to, to, explore and experiment with, and you dip your toe into that world a little bit during Covid.

That sounds like.

So you got a little bit of that infrastructure built.

Correct.

But now it's going to be feeding that goat, fleshing it out.

Yeah.

And and certainly we think, our work contributes to the advancement of society.

And we'd like to share that work as widely as possible.

So many people moved, during the, Covid years, and moved out of state.

Don't necessarily have an easily available opportunity to get in a car and come see us physically.

So where we can create these meaningful engagement opportunities within the digital landscape is definitely going to be a focus of ours moving forward.

This sounds kind of like a dumb question, but I'm asking it so you can have a full experience with it.

And that is why history.

We're in Black History Month right now when this program airs.

Why is studying history important?

How does what's in the past and understanding it help us today?

Yeah, it's, it's, it's not at all a dumb question.

It's the.

And there's a lot of it.

There's a lot of ways to answer that, to be to try to be succinct.

What I'd say is, history is, is what grounds us, and, and and in understanding, facts, and truths and it's important for us to not only acknowledge, but to learn from, our historical arc so that we can be as informed as possible around the decisions we make in the present and moving forward.

As it relates to black history, even in 2025, unfortunately, there's a large group of individuals who don't really fully understand the contributions and significance of black Americans and our nation's growth, or in the Pacific Northwest growth or in the Pacific Northwest growth.

And so, again, it is at the heart of what we do to share those historical truths and information with others so they can be more informed citizens and hopefully better human beings.

What's available for schools and school kids?

Because I really think that's the pathway for a lot of us is getting elementary.

Do you guys run schools through?

Talk a little bit about that.

There's a tremendous number of of tours from K through five from middle school to high school.

We'll see during February, a significant growth, in perspective for the rest of the year, for tours, guided tours to come through.

We have, continuing strong relationships with the Seattle Public Schools, and some private, schools in the area.

We have programs that are very much centered on youth literacy.

So our knowledge is power program, book giveaway program.

We have an interactive story time, which we air on our YouTube channel.

That is very much focused on youth.

Not just, being introduced to a new book, but that new book being centered on black characters or people of color that they can relate to.

Especially at a time such an important developmental time, of their lives.

Last 60s here.

Shameless plug time.

If people want to learn more, get involved.

See what you're up to.

Figure out how to get there.

How do they enter your world?

The best places to start with our website, which is an A m and org.

Please sign up for our newsletter, and see all of the programing opportunities that we have in February.

And then also moving forward, we have two great new exhibitions, that we would love people to come and engage with also, and folks I'm sure can get on a mailing list.

So they're told, hey, we got something new.

Probably.

Right?

Absolutely.

We make it really easy.

Please just go to our website, scroll down, enter your information, and you will be up to date with all the events and activities we have going on.

Brandon Bird, great conversation.

Thanks so much for coming on northwest.

Thanks for having me, Tom.

If you want to learn more about the Northwest African American Museum, check out their website at namm.org.

Now we travel to West Seattle, where Steve Kitchens takes us to the new Washington State Black Legacy Institute that has opened its doors and is featuring an art exhibit honoring black history.

The excitement builds as they gear up, making history.

We will never be finished.

Adding touches to the project.

Years in the making.

Black history is American history and coming together inside the Seattle landmark.

This space is your space.

Enjoy it.

This former church is now home to the Washington State Black Legacy Institute and officially recognized by the City of Seattle.

Do hereby proclaim February 1st, 2025 to be Washington State Black Legacy Institute Day.

On the first day of Black History Month.

The Institute welcomed the public to celebrate its grand opening and view its Black Legacy art exhibition.

We're standing on the shoulders of great men and women who have paved the way before us.

The exhibit illuminates Black Americans both locally and beyond.

Sharing stories about those who defined music and displays portraits of Black Americans elected to leadership.

This day is just really special.

CEO and President Katija Atterbury says the institute not only brings our past into the present, but can also foster leaders of new generations.

Before I forget, I just want to thank my young men here, the young legacy builders.

This is our future.

We are responsible for bringing them up, training them, mentoring them and supporting them in their endeavors, in their, goals.

This legacy is for you.

I am honored to.

To support you.

Those men up there on that wall.

Those are you.

You are the future pioneers.

And it is the first day of Black History Month.

Seattle City Councilman Rob Sokka joined the institute's opening, pledging support and commitment to diversity.

When there are political efforts to politicize things that shouldn't be political, to defund the strip, devalue and de-emphasize diversity, equity inclusion efforts all over the country.

I want you to know, then, the city of Seattle and the city of Seattle government, we will continue to honor and celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Institute illuminates individuals who reverberate across centuries.

Atterbury reminds that even more black history awaits to be written.

We have to continue to tell our story, what we've been able to overcome.

We are and were and still will be pioneers in American history.

In West Seattle, Steve Higgins, North northwest now.

The theme of Black History Month 2025 is African Americans and Labor.

The bottom line work of all kinds in the labor movement have been important parts of black progress.

Here's a little history for you.

This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the first black union to receive AFL recognition.

It was the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids.

That was back when train travel was how you got around.

I hope this program got you thinking and talking.

You can find this program on the web @kbtc.org.

Stream it through the PBS app or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

That's going to do it for this edition of northwest.

Now until next time, I'm Tom Layson.

Thanks for watching.

You.