Los Angeles, CA – In celebration of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and President Barack Obama’s inauguration, the California African American Museum (CAAM) is paying homage to both leaders with an exhibit entitled “A Dream Realized.”
The exhibition, which runs from January 15 to March 1, reflects Dr. King’s commitment to the betterment of life for all people and a historical timeline chronicling the African American experience. It also captures candid and compelling moments from president Barack Obama’s historic run for the presidency.
The exhibition is a combination of black and white and color images from AP/Worldwide Images and local photographer Valerie Goodloe, who followed Obama during his campaign.
“Every year, we do an exhibition to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said CAAM executive director Charmaine Jefferson. “In this special year when Barack Obama has become our new president, it allows us to not only honor King, but to reflect on the foundation that he helped to lay for the Obama presidency. And we believe that Barack Obama stands on King’s shoulders along with many other ancestors.”
The staff of CAAM is excited about the exhibit, a collaborative effort by CAAM executive director Charmaine Jefferson, museum curator Tiffany Bowers, exhibit supervisor Eduardo Carrasquillo, writer Ruth Robinson and history curator Christopher Jimenez y West. “In light of Dr. King’s birthday and Barack Obama’s presidency, we brought all of our passion and ideas to these walls,” said West.
The exhibit also features footage of King’s historic August 28, 1963 March on Washington as well as other significant African American historical events.
“A Dream Realized” can be viewed at CAAM at 600 State Drive in Exposition Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, access CAAM online at www.caamusem.org or call (213) 744-7432.
