Black History in Motion: 30 Years of Impact
- The Chronicle News
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Chelsea Wooton
Dr. Khalid el-Hakim didn’t wait for history to be told correctly. He put it on wheels and brought it to us.
Lansing, admission is free. The truth is priceless.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Capital Area District Library – Downtown Lansing
30 Years on the Road
Step inside Dr. Khalid el-Hakim’s Black History 101 Mobile Museum and feel the weight and wonder of history. For three decades, this traveling museum has brought Black history to life in schools, libraries, city halls, and community centers across 41 states, over 1,000 venues in total. Driven by passion and vision, Dr. Khalid and his team carefully preserve, transport, and present artifacts that connect deeply with audiences. Their mission is simple but powerful: educate, challenge, expose, and inspire through stories textbooks often leave out.
Recognitions and Achievements
Dr. Khalid’s work has earned national recognition, including the Spirit of Detroit Award, honors from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and a spot on Black Enterprise magazine’s 100 Men of Distinction. His museum’s journey is captured in the documentary Living Proof: Dr. Khalid’s Black History 101 Mobile Museum, which premiered on Fox Soul and screened at international festivals, including Rome’s Hip Hop Cine Fest. These accolades reflect decades of dedication and lasting impact on communities nationwide.
What You’ll Experience
The collection spans slavery, Jim Crow, civil rights, politics, education, music, sports, science, and religion. Each piece offers an up-close encounter with history rarely seen outside specialized collections. Lansing visitors will also see items tied to local lore, highlighting contributions to Black culture and activism.
Leaders, Legends, and Lansing Connections
The museum spotlights national figures such as Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Carter G. Woodson, George Washington Carver, Lena Horne, Angela Davis, and more.
It also celebrates Lansing natives and those with strong local ties:
-Dr. Charles Wright – Educator and civil rights advocate who shaped Lansing’s schools and community.
-Evelyn “Evie” Johnson – A leader who brought Black arts and culture to life, inspiring creativity and connection.
-James “Jimmy” Thompson – Musician and activist who kept Lansing’s cultural spirit alive while driving social change.
-Malcolm X (born Little) – Spent part of his childhood in Lansing, where his family faced threats and systemic abuse, shaping his path to activism.
These connections give Lansing visitors a personal link to history, fostering pride, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the city’s legacy.
Facing Difficult Truths
The museum doesn’t shy away from the harsh and uncomfortable history. Items like a Dixon’s Carburet of Iron Stove Polish trade card, the “Picaninny Freeze” sign, and vintage tobacco packaging with offensive imagery and slurs reveal how racism was normalized, and spark vital conversations. Bearing witness to the truth, to injustice, and to history, that’s how you come from a place of moral engagement, not just observation.
Celebrating Achievement
Highlights include a 1934 Marcus Garvey letter to Detroit’s UNIA division, a replica Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, photographs of Muhammad Ali and Yolanda “Lonnie” Ali, and a 1979 Rock & Soul magazine featuring Michael Jackson. Each piece celebrates creativity, leadership, and the courage to break barriers.
Interactive and Engaging
The museum is hands-on and designed for all ages. Visitors pause, ask questions, and explore at their own pace—standing before the Tuskegee Airmen medal or Garvey’s letter leaves a lasting impression. Accessibility is emphasized, with space for wheelchairs and family-friendly setups, making history approachable for everyone.
Dr. Khalid and his team continue to expand the museum’s reach through new exhibits, film, and multimedia projects, ensuring these stories live on for future generations.
Questions to Explore
How are artifacts and locations chosen?
How does the museum measure impact in underserved communities?
Any projects or films are next?
Am I missing anything?
Feedback welcome.
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum in Lansing isn’t just a display—it’s a conversation with the past, inviting everyone to learn, reflect, and connect with history that still matters today.