This historic cultural center grew from fierce roots. Activists occupied the 1909-vintage Colman School for eight years before Seattle finally greenlit the museum in 1993: The occupation was possibly the United States’ longest act of civil disobedience. Today, you can take in exhibits about African American settlers; World War II’s Tuskegee Airmen; and Chinese jazz clubs, which brought together black musicians and fans of all ethnicities during the 1920s Jazz Age. The temporary displays can be found in two galleries, one focused on black culture and the other celebrating local visual artists. Popular past exhibits explored the beauty of natural hair, the aesthetics of funk music, and positive black characters in classic 1970s cartoons.
