06/19/2026
Museums hold more than art; they hold memory, resistance, and freedom. Juneteenth reminds us of that truth.
Full circle.
Today, the North Carolina Museum of Art highlighted Three Graces: Les Trois Femmes Noires by Mickalene Thomas in recognition of Juneteenth.
Nine years ago, Ruth's Grace, Inc. hosted a museum outing and stood in front of this very work. Seeing it again today brings everything into perspective.
Museums were never a backup plan. They were always the vision.
The path here hasn’t been linear. It has required resilience, patience, and the commitment to build step by step; through learning, volunteering, program development, partnership-building, and continued service in community spaces.
Each experience shaped the work Ruth’s Grace Inc. is doing now: developing museum-inspired educational programming, supporting cultural institutions, and creating opportunities for children and families to see themselves reflected in art, history, and culture.
Standing in front of this piece years ago, I couldn’t map every step ahead; but I understood the direction.
Some visions don’t change. They evolve with you.
Happy Juneteenth. 🤎
