As a former pre-school teacher, once

fired from a position for being too social

justice-minded, the engaging and

focused Ms. Montgomery has enlisted a

dedicated group of volunteers to kick

start the Museum. Initially conceived

after a trip to South Africa for humanitarian

work, the museum was to exhibit the power

of volunteerism and global community spirit.

 

However, the continued violence against black Americans and the rise of online and offline activism was constantly on Ms. Montgomery’s mind and in her tweets. The grim reality of extralegal killings of black Americans and the #Black Lives Matter movement seemed to demand a museum with a social justice outlook. It took a colleague to state the obvious.  With this inspiration she endeavored to create a museum shining a light on humanity, advocacy, art and activism. One day, while discussing her museum dream and frustration over the most recent police killing with a fellow teacher, her colleague suggested the museum’s first focus. 

 

One year later, the time is still ripe for this exhibit. After getting the 'blessing' of one of the BLM founders, Patrisse Cullors, she and a group of colleagues collaborated and curated an emotionally resonant experience for all to witness The #MovementIsRising: Journey of #BlackLivesMatter exhbit, which launched late September 2015 in Harlem.