Governor Gregoire celebrates opening of the Northwest African American Museum

March 8, 2008

*As Written*

Good Morning,

I�m deeply honored to be here today.

The Northwest African-American Museum is simply incredible.

I hope people of all races and backgrounds come from far and wide to experience it.

And as the word gets around -- I know they will come � in greater and greater numbers.

The rich history of our African-American community is on full display here -- from the hard times to the good times -- and everything in between.

I plan to come back when I have more time.

I want to spend time here studying and reflecting on where our African-American community has been, and where we�ve all been as a people.

As importantly, I want to reflect on the progress we�ve made -- and the work still to be done.

Of course, we must also appreciate this wonderful museum in its larger context.

It is definitely part and parcel of something bigger. It�s part of the Urban League Village at the old Colman School, which opened in January.

And the Village, in turn is more than the 36 affordable apartments it provides for families � important as that is!

This entire project is a cultural gateway for the African American Community � a place that will connect creativity with action to make the community stronger.

It will be a gathering place where so much of the work of any community gets done. It will be place where the news is shared and the needs of people will be met.

I�ve very proud that we in state government were able to provide $3.5 million in funding for the Urban League Village and the African-American Museum. It was money well spent.

I know there are way too many people to thank today. But I do know that many, many hands built this wonderful project -- from the activists who started this it to the many who carried it forward.

I want especially to thank Carver Gayton�James Kelly�former Governor Locke�Barbara Thomas, and Brian Carter for the work they did.

Great work folks, and congratulations!