Calling All Middle School & College Students!

Are you ready to show off your knowledge of Black history and culture? Join us for the Black History Liberation Bowl – a Friday Quick Recall Competition happening February 28 at Roots 101 African American Museum!

📚✨ Exciting News! ✨📚

Join us at Roots 101 on February 20, 2025, for a special book signing event with Alaska Williams, aka Daddy’O!

Growing up in Georgetown, a vibrant Black community in Harlan, Kentucky, Daddy’O’s journey began in the coal camp of Verda before moving to Georgetown in the summer of 1954. From his early days as a Harlan Daily Enterprise paper boy, he chronicled life and experiences that now come alive through his stories.

📅 When: February 20, 2025
📍 Where: Roots 101 African American Museum

Come celebrate his incredible storytelling and connect with the rich history of Harlan. Don’t miss the chance to meet Daddy’O and get your copy signed!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will light up your soul and inspire your spirit! We are thrilled to invite you to our FREE monthly Sankofa performances, happening each month until the end of the year.

Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 12 PM

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 12 PM

Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2 PM

We sincerely thank The Community Foundation of Louisville for providing free Sankofa experiences to the community.

Our in-person event promises to be a night to remember. Witness the remarkable talent and charisma of our young ladies & gentlemen as they showcase their achievements and growth throughout their academic journey. From their captivating attire, to their impressive performances, these young kings & queens will leave you inspired and proud.

Roots 101 African American Museum Events - 1 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Louisville’s Gospel Music History: Panel Discussion with Authors of “I’m Glad About It.”

This Free community, event will be hosted by the Louisville Story Program and Roots 101 African American Museum.

Saturday, November 23, 2024

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Roots 101 African American Museum

124 N. First Street, Lousiville, KY 40202

To learn more about the project, “I’m Glad About It: The Legacy of Gospel Music in Louisville. 1958-1891” at www.louisvillestoryprogram.org

ENHANCING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH PUBLIC HEALTH ART

ETHER has been described as the fifth element holding the foundation of celestial bodies.

The ETHER Art Gallery illustrations from the 2023-2024 Project Ricochet African American Barbershop Initiative, supported by the Kentucky Department of Public Health: Office of Health Equity, Anthem Medicaid, The Kentucky Arts Council, and the Urban Art Collective, hold significant importance for public health art.

BRIDGING ART AND HEALTH: The illustrations by Bryce Oquaye, a Lexington, Kentucky-based artist, beautifully merge public health education with artistic expression, making abstract health concepts more accessible and relatable. These visuals, displayed in trusted community spaces like barbershops, resonate with the African American community, addressing key health issues such as tobacco cessation, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health.

ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES: By promoting culturally tailored health messages, the initiative combats the social determinants of health (SDOHs), reducing disparities and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

CREATING SUSTAINABLE IMPACT: The lasting visual impact of the ETHER Art Gallery ensures that these public health messages endure, contributing to long-term health behavior changes and improved wellness.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: In collaboration with Roots 101 Museum, Project Ricochet, and the CDC Funded EMPOWER (Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative) facilitated by UK Prevent, College of Education, University of Kentucky, the initiative works to reduce menthol, flavored tobacco, and vaping use among communities of color. Champions from Lexington and Louisville will co-create and lead tobacco cessation workshops, events, and develop media content fostering community-led impact.

Join us in celebrating the vibrant creativity of our community at The ETHER Art Gallery celebrating the African American Barbershop at Roots 101 Museum in Louisville, KY. This gallery, in partnership with Roots 101 Museum, Project Ricochet, and UK Prevent: EMPOWER (Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative), showcases the extraordinary work of Kentucky artists, reinforcing the intersection of art, culture, and health.

Event Details:   Roots 101 Museum - Louisville Art Hop  

Date: October 4, 2024  

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM  

Location: Roots 101 Museum, Louisville, KY  

Visit the ethereal Roots 101, engage in interactive activities, and immerse yourself in the creativity that defines our community!

Project Ricochet: Home - Project Ricochet (strongertogetherky.com)

UK Prevent: EMPOWER https://ukprevent.org/cdc-empower/

Join us on Wednesday, September 11th to watch this brilliant film and discuss it afterwards. The discussion will be led by Lamont Collins of Roots 101 African American Museum.

Origin chronicles the process of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Isabel Wilkerson as she researches and writes Caste, the Origins of our Discontents, which is considered one of the defining books of our time. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Ava Duvernay and stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Wilkerson.

Pizza will be served!

Location: St. Bernadette Parish Center

6500 St. Bernadette Ave. Prospect, KY

We are offering two showings Friday, August 9th - the first at 12:00 p.m., and the second at 5:30 p.m.

Origin chronicles the process of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Isabel Wilkerson as she researches and writes Caste, the Origins of our Discontents, which is considered one of the defining books of our time. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Ava Duvernay and stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Wilkerson.

Refreshments will be served. We hope you can join us!

Roots 101 African American Museum, 124 N 1st St, Louisville, KY

The MindFEST mission is to break stigmas surrounding mental health, connect families with mental health services, and create a fun, family oriented, learning environment that promotes mental health. Collectively, we organize and share mental health resources with the community during our annual festival.

Unveil Louisville History at Roots 101! Celebrate the legacy of Lucie & Thornton Blackburn, with all-inclusive liquor, cuisine & Entertainment.

Don Ray Smith flips the script with the true story about his boyhood in the highly-segregated West End of Louisville, Kentucky in the 1950s. Smith becomes over a dozen characters in this one-man, two-act play. His view takes in everything from white 'Projects’ to Black girls, street punks to teachers, brass knuckles to Cassius Clay, boxcar-jumping to an alcoholic father, and Integration to White Flight. Smith’s positive messages are non-confrontational but still unvarnished. And still very real in today’s times.

On the anniversary of the assassination of our dear brother Martin Luther King, Jr., we welcome Harmony Holiday to deliver the inaugural “Baldwin-King Memorial Lecture.” Please join us at 5 PM for a light reception following the start of the program at 6 PM.

Derby City Gaming Hotel will be presenting a donation to Roots 101, with Lamont Collins, the Founder and CEO, as the recipient of their Q1 Donation Station at DCGH. This contribution to Roots 101 will support the museum's continued success.

Indulge in an exclusive evening of culture and flavor at Champán’s soft launch event and digital magazine release, showcasing our “Modern Black Bourbon” Tasting Experience, featuring the distinguished Bourbon brand, Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon. Join us on March 20th, 2024, at the Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, from 5:00-7:00 PM, as we celebrate the fusion of heritage and craftsmanship in every sip. Be among the first to experience our digital magazine, capturing the essence of bourbon culture and lifestyle. Don’t miss this opportunity to sip, savor, and immerse yourself in one of USA Today’s Top 10 Newest Attractions in America. Reserve your spot now for an evening of unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Louisville Legends Art Exhibit will feature Art by Charles Rice and include a Sankofa Experience and a Museum Tour. This exhibit will showcase artwork honoring Wade Houston, Sam Smith, and Eddie Whitehead. When the three of these athletes stepped onto UofL’s campus in 1962, they set a precedent that would help create a powerhouse and also Break the Color Barrier for The University of Louisville Basketball Team.

Join us in a conversation featuring: Mawuli Mel Davis, J.D., Founding Partner of Davis Bozeman Johnson Law and Author of “We Need You.”

Derrick White, Ph.D., Professor of History and African American and Africana Studies, University of Kentucky and Author of “Blood, Sweat and Tears.”