Black History of Howard County and HCPSS Presentation and Panel

As part of the celebration of Black History Month, the RHS faculty and staff were invited to a presentation and panel discussion led by the Curator of the Howard County Center for African American Culture, Marcus “Sankofa” Nicks on Wednesday, February 22 at 2:30 pm.

The Howard County Center of African American Culture reopened after renovating and installing new exhibits with pictures, sculptures, and artifacts that tell a story dating from the African Diaspora to the Underground Railroad the civil rights movement and including today’s living history.

“We want to provide a rich story, not just of victimization and what’s been done to African Americans. We want to provide a more nuanced, well-rounded, rich experience for the whole community.”

Marcus “Sankofa” Nicks from WBAL TV 11 article

The mission started with Wylene Sims Burch, a former educator who turned her collection of artifacts into the museum in 1987. “We are just continuing the legacy and the foundation that she provided us,” Nicks said. People can support the museum by visiting, donating and sharing any historic artifacts they have.

The museum’s mission was interrupted two years ago when a pipe burst in the ceiling, causing water damage. They had to rush precious artifacts to safety and close while for renovations.

“We, as a museum, feel as though it was a blessing nevertheless because it gave us the chance to rethink some of our museum practices, and also re-imagine the stories that we wanted to share with the community and the way we want to share those stories with the community,” Nicks said.

So the museum is using programs like oral history, internships, its Sankofa Children’s Academy and its traveling Trunk Museum on the Go exhibit to share Black history in Howard County, in Maryland and beyond, to anyone willing to listen.

“We want to be a space where the community feel as though we are here to preserve the African American history and culture in a very precious and sacred way for our community.”

Marcus “Sankofa” Nicks from WBAL TV 11 article

The museum will host a public grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 28.

The museum, located at 5434 Vantage Point Road in Columbia, is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can walk in or call 410-715-1921 ahead to schedule a tour.