In the vibrant spring of 1999, Houston's Mayor Lee P. Brown took a significant step towards celebrating our city's rich heritage by appointing a dedicated committee to establish an African American Museum. After thoughtful discussions, the committee envisioned two distinct institutions: one to honor and preserve the profound history of African Americans in Houston, and the other to showcase the dynamic culture and artistic expressions of African and African American communities. This vision gave rise to both the African American Library at the Gregory School and the Houston African American Museum.

With the Museum officially organized in the summer of 2000 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization, we embraced a new identity in 2007 as the Houston Museum of African American Culture to better align with our evolving mission.

Since 2012, HMAAC has proudly welcomed over 50,000 visitors each year, becoming a cherished cultural hub in Houston. Our exhibitions and community programs not only celebrate African American art and history but also engage with the pressing issues of our time. We strive to empower our visitors, young and young at heart alike, providing a space for reflection and inspiration as we collectively shape our future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to former Mayor Lee P. Brown for his visionary support, which continues to inspire us as we uplift our community through the power of art and culture. Join us in this exciting journey, and together, let’s explore the beautiful tapestry of our shared experience!