Explore SOJO's Digital Collections with Ease

Apr 17, 2024

Embark on a journey of discovery through the rich tapestry of African heritage with SOJO's newly launched digital collections portal, managed and supported by our dedicated Archivist, Aisha Abdul Rahman.

With this innovative platform powered by Omeka, researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts can now access our digital archives from anywhere in the world.

Delve into the depths of African artistry, culture, and history as you navigate through our meticulously curated digital collections.

Whether you're seeking insights into traditional sculpture techniques, exploring the symbolism of African masks, or unraveling the narratives behind each artifact, our digital portal offers a treasure trove of resources at your fingertips.

Managed with care and expertise by Archivist Aisha Abdul Rahman, our digital collections portal ensures seamless navigation and efficient access to a wealth of cultural treasures.

Researchers can utilize advanced search functionalities to pinpoint specific artifacts, browse curated exhibitions, and dive deep into thematic collections curated by our expert team.

Have questions or need assistance? Archivist Aisha Abdul Rahman is here to support your research journey.

Users can easily reach out via the contact form integrated into the digital search interface, ensuring prompt assistance and personalized guidance.

Join us in unlocking the wonders of African heritage through our digital collections portal, where every click opens a door to new discoveries and insights.

Start your exploration today and embark on a virtual voyage through the diverse and captivating world of SOJO's digital archives.

Search the collections

Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is pleased to formally offer Aisha Abdul Rahman the Archivist Fellow position based on her impressive background. Aisha Abdul Rahman is a dedicated scholar who is profoundly committed to advancing equitable access to information, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting social justice. With a unique blend of expertise in Library and Information Science (LIS) and the digital arts, she is a driving force in leveraging technology for positive societal transformation. Aisha's passion centers around her work in the digital preservation of African and African-American heritage within Museums, Libraries, and Archives. Aisha's academic journey is marked by her dual background in Library and information science Project Management and the digital arts. This diverse foundation empowers her to explore innovative ways of merging technology and heritage preservation to effect change. Her research interests converge at the intersection of technology, cultural heritage preservation, and social equity. In particular, Aisha is captivated by the potential of browser-based virtual worlds to bridge historical gaps, amplify the narratives of marginalized communities, and advocate for social justice. The Archivist Fellow will receive training for best practices in archives stewardship in collaboration with the City of Sacramento Public Library Archives, Martin Luther King AISHA ABDUL RAHMAN Jr. Library, and Community Engagement Services Sacramento Public Library.

The Archivist Fellow will be assisting the Museum to digitize historical records and create metadata for them. As an Archivist Fellow, she will provide a professional development presentation on Pop Up Research Station CAFE, help catalog the Museum's collection, establish a comprehensive system, and create a training manual for the museum and resource and media center team. She will also write one article for publication on the Museum's website and submit a final report at the end of the semester.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant-making, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.

To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook.

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Explore SOJO's Digital Collections with Ease

17 Apr, 2024

Embark on a journey of discovery through the rich tapestry of African heritage with SOJO's newly launched digital collections portal, managed and supported by our dedicated Archivist, Aisha Abdul Rahman. With this innovative platform powered by Omeka, researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts can now access our digital archives from anywhere in the world.

Second Phase: New Expansion

By Naya Douglas • 04 Dec, 2021

Black Friday: 5th Annual Shop

Whipped Peter

By Aniela Cobian • 23 Aug, 2021

Whipped Peter

Redlining

By Aniela Cobian • 23 Jul, 2021

Redlining was a government supported practice starting in the 1930’s. It remains the leading cause of today’s housing segregation. Lenders (loaners, homeowners, etc) would outline areas that were off limits for issuing loans in red ink, (hence the title, “redlining.”) These highlighted areas were filled with mostly, if not only, African American residents, leaving qualifying credit holders with far less financial opportunities than their white counterparts. Redlining made it nearly impossible for African Americans to become homeowners and build wealth.

Artist Highlight: Ongell

By Naya Douglas • 18 Jul, 2021

"My vulnerability to darkness and the things that I’ve experienced in my life within these last few years have allowed me to really blossom in a way that I didn’t think would happen for me."

Who is Nannie Helen?

By Naiyonah Allen • 23 Jun, 2021

Around 1880 Nannie Helen was born to a formerly enslaved couple living in Orange Virginia. When she was 4 years old her family moved to Washington DC, after her fathers death. She attended M street highschool in which she met some people who had a tremendous impact on her development. She was a good student and graduated with honors, but her race was the primary reason she was turned down for positions after graduating. She eventually found work in Pennsylvania at the Christian Banner, The National Baptist Conventions Paper. She was still turned down for positions as a teacher after receiving a high score from the city to be approved to teach. The rejection did not discourage her, instead she worked multiple jobs to support herself while still trying to pursue a career as a teacher. She gave a speech at the 1900 National Baptist Convention in Virginia, “How the Sisters Are Hindered from Helping.” This speech instantly gave her fame. The speech also led The National Baptist Convention to address the needs and concerns of its women, it also became a resource for educational training. This inspired her to accomplish her dream. She started her own school for women and girls called the Baptist Women’s Convention and National School for Women And girls. Overall she was a black educator, orator, religious leader, civil rights activist, feminist, and businesswoman in the United States.

The next time you cook with a pastry fork/spatula remember that it was this 13 year old girl.

Anna M. Mangin

By Tia Bryant • 10 Jun, 2021

Anna M. Mangin was an African American inventor.

Youth Roots Importance

By Naiyonah Allen • 28 May, 2021

It is important for our youth to know their history and roots. Educating yourself about your history is not only important, it also helps you know your identity. The school districts in our communities do not teach students about black history, if black history is mentioned in schools they often talk about slavery, although that is apart of our history it is’nt the only part. We come from greatness. Our ancestors were doctors, inventors, activists, and much more. The first black doctor in the United States was James McCune Smith. He was born April 18th 1813, and died November 17th 1865. He was the first African American to hold a medical degree and graduated at the top of his class at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He has impacted a lot of people, the college he attended, recently named one of there buildings after him. The black mind works in a lot of creative ways, African Americans are effortlessly talented. We have created multiple inventions, without our ancestors our life wouldn't be as easy as it is now. One of the great Black inventors was Garret Morgan, he invented the traffic light. Morgan also created a chemical hair- processing and straightening solution. His original intention was to create a liquid that prevented sewing machine needles from burning fabric. He accidentally discovered that the soultion can also be used for straightening hair. Lastly, he invented a smoke hood to protect firefighters from smoke. With that being said, know your history. There is so much to learn about black history. We have so much knowledge to offer here at the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum.