Starting July 26, the Reston Museum will host the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s traveling exhibit: Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality.
Determined traces four centuries of Black history in Virginia through stories of extraordinary individuals who struggled for equality and, in the process, profoundly shaped the nature of American society and the meaning of our collective ideals. Their stories help us to understand the origins of today’s problems and to reckon with the painful legacies of slavery, segregation, and white supremacy. These determined individuals also inspire us to create a better future.
In 2020, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the upsurge of social justice protests highlighted the systemic racism that afflicts our society. The roots of racial inequities stretch back to 1619, to the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia and the beginnings of race-based oppression and discrimination in America.
Across the ensuing 400 years, Black people and their allies have fought for freedom, equal justice, and access to opportunities. They have overcome excruciating conditions and have made remarkable achievements, yet progress has been hindered by setbacks and persistent racism.
“Along with the Determined exhibit, the Reston Museum will feature artifacts from the Reston Museum’s collection showcasing Reston’s founding as a diverse community and how Restonians continued to pursue equality for all members of their community. We hope our visitors enjoy learning not only about the history of Reston, but also how it fits into the larger context of Virginia’s history,” says Alexandra Campbell, Executive Director of the Reston Museum.
Exhibit will be on display until August 28th. To learn more about visiting the museum visit https://www.restonmuseum.org/visit.
About Reston Museum
Reston Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Reston’s past, informing the present, and influencing the future of Reston. Reston Museum preserves a collection of archival material and artifacts related to the history of Reston, many of which are exhibited at the Reston Museum. Located at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday free of charge. Reston Museum also conducts educational and public programming, exhibitions, and public events including the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Reston Home Tour, and Founder’s Day.
For more information, please visit www.restonmuseum.org
