By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Delbert Richardson, founder and curator of the Unspoken Truths Museum, a traveling museum that sheds light on the significant contributions of African Americans to scientific, cultural, and technological advancements both in the U.S. and around the world, was a featured speaker at King County’s Black History Month event on February 6. Held at the Chinook Building in downtown Seattle, the event brought together community members and elected officials, including King County Executive Dow Constantine.
The museum’s mission is to re-educate learners of all ages in a manner that leads to self-restoration and community healing, with the eventual goal of implementing its teachings into school curricula, institutions, and organizations committed to cultural competence and social justice.
Utilizing authentic artifacts, storyboards, and the ancient art of storytelling, Richardson presents American history through an Afrocentric lens. His work is divided into four sections: Mother Africa, which highlights the numerous contributions by Africans in STEM fields; American Chattel Slavery, which delves into the brutal treatment and psychological impacts on African Americans of the Diaspora; The Jim Crow Era, which examines the racial caste system and the creation and enforcement of legalized segregation; and Still We Rise, which focuses on the myriad contributions in the Americas by Black inventors and inventions.
“I teach American history through an Afrocentric lens, centering Black and brown people in the story of American history,” Richardson said. “America has long been synonymous with white, but I want to see me in the story of American history. I share this museum with you in the way I see it, because this is who I am.”
Attendees at the event had the opportunity to network, enjoy food, hear from guest speakers, and engage with Richardson’s interactive museum. One of the event organizers, Monisha Harrell, director of the King County Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice, credited Richardson for influencing her work.
“When I first started in this role, I got two directives: Be yourself, do what you do, and figure out what else you can do,” Harrell said. “With those directives, I began working with Mr. Richardson, and what you see here is part of the executive’s vision to ensure we remain a representative county. I thank him for bringing me on this journey.”
After Harrell read the county’s Black History Month proclamation, Constantine took the podium to express his admiration for Richardson’s work.
“I was deeply impressed, moved, and shaken by what you [Richardson] have brought together and the stories you’ve shared through the museum,” Constantine said. “We need to do whatever we can to support this work so that we can all share in these learnings. Here in King County, we recognize and honor the contributions of the communities that truly make this country great.”
Constantine said that we are here [at the event] to celebrate and reflect on Black history and to overcome the ugly aspects of our country’s history, to begin centering investments and policies to become pro-equity, anti-racist, and accountable by acknowledging and eliminating racial injustices woven throughout our systems.
“In King County, we declare loudly and clearly that racism is a public health crisis. The evidence shows that systemic racism is a leading contributor to negative health and quality-of-life outcomes, with the greatest harms to Black and Indigenous people,” said Constantine. “Through our work, we are ensuring that the county’s workforce truly reflects the communities we serve, particularly in higher-paid positions.”
Constantine also reinforced King County’s commitment to racial justice, emphasizing that Black History Month is a time not only for celebration but also for reflection and action.
“We are here to learn, reflect, and celebrate Black history because Black history is our history. Black history is American history. We can’t chart where we must go unless we know where we have been. The truth that you will see in the exhibit about racism right here in the Pacific Northwest allows us clarity about how racism has impacted this region,” said Constantine. “We are honored to sponsor the Unspoken Truths Museum here in the Chinook Building. The Unspoken Truths Museum reinvigorates your [Richardson’s] commitment to our work to build a more equitable future for all the people of King County.”
Richardson’s work in preserving Black history resonates deeply in a time when efforts to erase and rewrite historical narratives remain prevalent. His exhibit highlights not only the struggles but also the resilience and brilliance of Black innovators throughout history.
“The eggbeater, the automatic cut-off switch—1889, 1898—and you know what was going on then? We were being lynched. So, what was it about these amazing assets, in spite of circumstances, that allowed them to tap into their brilliance?” Richardson said. “I truly believe that all of us should continue to be on this journey of self-discovery because we all have inherited some stuff that really isn’t good for society. Even though we live in a whitewashed world today, our planet has always been a product of African DNA, advancements, and origin. These are the unspoken truths.”
Source: Seattle Medium
