The Odell S. Williams Now And Then African-American History Museum or the Baton Rouge African-American Museum, is a non-profit[1] museum of African-American history and heritage located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,[2] United States. The museum is named for Odell S. Williams, an educator in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded by Sadie Roberts-Joseph in 2001, the museum remains the only museum dedicated to African and African American history in the city.[3] The museum celebrates Juneteenth,[4][5] Black History Month, and American history year round.[6]
Sadie Roberts-Joseph, curator and founder, established the African American Museum after seeing the need and importance of having it in the community.[7] She often told visitors, "Culture is the glue that holds a people together. Take a step back in time and leap into your future."[8]
Roberts-Joseph maintained the museum on her own from its founding until her death in 2019.[9] After her death, her son Jason and his sister took over the management. The museum closed for a short time for COVID-19, but reopened in time for Juneteenth 2020.[10] It receives no federal or local funding.[11]
30°26′22″N 91°11′07″W / 30.4394459°N 91.1854037°W / 30.4394459; -91.1854037
