2026 Exhibition
Theme: "SANKOFA"
The 2026 National theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations” marked a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915. (asalh.org, 2025)
Curated and presented by Junctions, the 2026, "SANKOFA" was an engaging, visual and oral exhibit, showcasing ideas of Sankofa. Sankofa translates to, “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Today, it is more simply interpreted as “go back and get it.”
Events included Artisan Displays, Biographical Portraits, Wellness and Financial Strategy Presentations, Oral Histories, Fashion Displays, a Fashion Show, Reading Stations, Book Signing, Youth Tours and Actives, and more.
Results: The exhibit ran from February 7 - 28, 2026, with over 1,100 visitors touring the exhibit.
Exhibit Highlight Videos
2026 Exhibit Announcement
2026 Opening Ceremony
2026 Runway Fashion Show
2026
African American Exhibit Presenters
HAVALEE HENRY
MD, MS, FAAOS
Topic
History of Minorities in Orthopedic Surgery
Thursday
February 12, 2026 ~ 3 p.m.
WINNIE JEAN-PIERRE
Attorney
Topic
Estate Planning
Sunday
February 15, 2026 ~ 3 p.m.
AKEEL HERDSMAN
M.S. Medical Physics
Topic
Planning Financial Strategy
Thursday
February 19, 2026 ~ 2 p.m.
MAYA CARPENTER, M.Ed.
Topic
Social Emotional Wellness
Saturday
February 21, 2026 ~ 11 a.m.
HERBERT R. DOGGETTE, JR.
Topic
Exceptionally Blessed
Sunday
February 22, 2026 ~ 3 p.m.
AISHA ONI ALAYANDE
Topic
Mind, Body, and Culture Experience
Thursday
February 26, 2026 ~ 5 p.m.
Meet the Authors
Attendees were be able to engage in discussions and have their books signed by the authors during the February 22, 2026 "Meet the Authors and Book Signing." A limited number of books were on hand. During the months of January and February 2026, books were available for purchase at this site in advance of the signing.
Tequila Rouse
"FOCUS: Live/Laugh/Love" is about focusing on learning how to press forward and live in spite of what you go through. Learning how to laugh in the midst of pain, and learning how to love yourself. I pray that my testimony will help others
Herbert R. Doggette, Jr.
"Exceptionally Blessed" is the story of Herbert R. Doggette. In 1990, Herb retired from the federal government as the United States Social Security Administration's Deputy Commissioner for Operations (DCO). From the mailroom to executive, "Exceptionally Blessed" shares his journey with the reader."
William Carroll
"Groovaliscious" is a personal mantra, marching order, and mental state. The writer used anecdotes from interviews with several highly accomplished professionals to share his perspective on the need for resiliency, intentionality, a strategic and systematic approach to accomplishing goals, and effervescence in life.
Ginette R. Martin
"The Black Curse" -
Presented by the widower of the author. In this work, Dr. Sommers using his knowledge of genetics and medicine decides to face and challenge those prejudices to conquer love and happiness.
NOTICE OF FILMING, AUDIO RECORDING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY
By you entering Junctions' African American exhibit and any of its events or programs, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Junctions and its affiliates and representatives.
Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar Junctions events in the future, highlight the event and exhibit the capabilities of Junctions. You release Junctions, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings.
By entering the event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment of royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged.
You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Junctions or the person or entity designated to do so by Junctions. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release upon entering the event.