NJAM stands in solidarity with the African American community. We acknowledge the pain caused by systemic racism. We are listening. We call for justice.
But expressions of sympathy and solidarity are not enough. How we acknowledge and address our history, our institutions, and our spaces is critical to how we move forward. We still have much work to do in acknowledging our complicity in the systemic racism that is present in our organizations, including NJAM itself. We are committed to taking action and continuing to make changes that will bring racial equity to NJAM, our leadership, our membership, and our programs.
We thank those who are continuing to challenge and dismantle systemic oppression. We need to amplify and strengthen the work of our museums to combat institutional racism, injustice, and violence against people of color.
Going forward, NJAM will be hosting programs and sharing resources to support a dialogue among New Jersey museums that we hope will inspire action. We also will apply these changes to NJAM as an organization. See below for further resources.
AAM’s Facing Change AAM’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Working Group Full Report
Secretary Lonnie Bunch: It Is Time for America to Confront Its Tortured Racial Past Lonnie Bunch III
158 Resources to Understand Racism in America Smithsonian Magazine
Talking About Race National Museum of African American History & Culture
MER Responds Museum Education Roundtable
Activating Diversity and Inclusion A Blueprint for Museum Educators as Allies and Change Makers
Museum As Site for Social Action MASS Action Toolkit
Artstuffmatters La Tanya S. Autry
A Moment for Accountability, Transformation & Real Questions Mike Murawski
For Museum Leaders Who Want to Do Better Andrew Plumley, Director of Inclusion, AAM
Working Document for Scaffolding Anti-Racism Resources Document created by: Anna Stamborski, M. Div Candidate (2022) , Nikki Zimmermann, M. Div candidate (2021) , Bailie Gregory, M. Div, M.S. Ed.
Culturally Responsive Museums are Leading the Way Museum Hue Colorful. Cultured. Cool (Facebook) By Museum Hue
Activating Diversity and Inclusion A Blueprint for Museum Educators as Allies and Change Makers
Decolonial Strategies for the Art History Classroom
Decolonial Strategies for the Art History Classroom