For over half a century, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans.
Mission Statement
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History opens minds and changes lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.
Vision Statement
Our vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspire everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.
Impacting Our Community
Each year, more than half a million people visit The Wright to engage with its unparalleled collection. Among those hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are many residents of Detroit itself.
Understanding, Acceptance, Unity
Through dozens of permanent and visiting exhibitions, over 150 learning and engagement programs, as well as education and research opportunities for adults, children, and visiting scholars, The Wright inspires visitors toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity by reflecting on the triumphs and tragedies of African American history.
Protecting the Natural World
The Wright is committed not only to preserving African American culture, but to preserving the environment, too. We work with local stakeholders and officials to help achieve climate justice.
Explore Sustainability Initiatives
Strategic Goals
The Wright is grounded in five institutional goals that will guide us over the coming years. We work daily on many moving parts and activities, but keep these priorities centered on our path toward progress and improvement.
- (1.) Center Detroit
Place Detroit at the forefront of a national (and international) dialogue regarding the profound influence of African American history and culture.
- (2.) Be a Leader in the Field
Lead in the creation, distribution, and exhibition of world-class programs characterized by aesthetic excellence, technological innovation, and relevancy to current events.
- (3.) Mentor Museum Professionals
Train and mentor people of color for careers in the curation, administration, and financial management of first voice institutions around the world.
- (4.) Preserve Institutional Vitality
Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of The Wright.
- (5.) Embrace Sustainable Practices
Embrace environmentally sustainable systems and practices in all aspects of The Wright’s institutional programs and culture.
Who Was Dr. Wright?
On encountering a memorial to World War II heroes in Denmark during the mid twentieth century, Detroit-based obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Charles H. Wright felt inspired—inspired to create a repository for African American history and culture, a space for celebration and remembrance that would inspire generations of visitors.
"I was committed to what I defined as 'one of the most important tasks of our times,'" Dr. Wright would later remark.
Dr. Wright defined that important task as "ensuring that generations, especially young African Americans, are made aware of and take pride in the history of their forebears and their remarkable struggle for freedom." Over half a century since Dr. Wright first opened the International Afro-American Museum in January of 1966, The Wright has expanded significantly in size and in ambition.
The state-of-the-art, 125,000 square-foot facility that the museum currently occupies in Detroit's thriving Midtown serves as a cultural beacon for the City of Detroit, and for the United States, championing the stories of African Americans and offering a space for rigorous contemplation for visitors of all backgrounds.