Museum of the African Diaspora

Very cool museum. One if my favorites in the city because IMHO it is the perfect size to spend about 45 mins to 1 hour, not get overwhelmed, but still learn a lot. The exhibits are varied and have multimedia, sculpture, paintings, and more. The quality of the information on display is also quite high. One main description and no repetition when it's the same artist later along is something I appreciate in a museum. The current exhibit Liberatory Living: Protective Interiors and Radical Black Joy with mostly interior decor is fantastic. An important message. The gift shop is also well curated. So excited to own a Shiela Bridges art piece for my own home!

This is a pretty cool museum for art exhibits from artists with African heritage! A lot of the artists use their art as a medium to communicate so many things! Some are fun, some are thought-provoking, some are reflective, some are a window into the artists’ heritage. I really loved walking through the museum and reading about each art work. I enjoyed the paintings by Rachel Jones, the art pieces of Scott Johnson (bold and beautiful stone carvings) and Morel Doucet (delicate and gorgeous)!

I was very excited to checkout MoAD and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! It was a roller coaster of emotions- from pure joy to deep empty sadness. I was honored to have the opportunity to observe such pure moments along this journey marked by such pain and also by extraordinary resilience, culture, community, achievement, and joy. I simply can’t say enough wonderful words. I recommend MoAD to everyone I know coming to SF. Please don’t miss this experience!

One of my favorite museums ever. There is such a wide range of aesthetic forms and I love how the museum feels both intimate and expansive. It's a true San Francisco gem, and one of those museums I wish I could spend forever in.

Easily, hands down one of the cutest, most educational AA museums I’ve ever been to. I love learning about my culture, and seeing different artists that I would’ve never known about. I love the cute bookstore and the levels to the place. I love how it made me feel and I love how much I learned. What a great place! I truly can’t wait to go back.

It's a really great museum with a good focus on bringing new artists to the scene. Plus the staff are really nice! The layout of the building is well organized and the exhibits are accessible. Definitely recommended as a must see if you're visiting San Fran.

Recently reopened with new exhibition Joe Sam. It was nicely set up and presented. Several floors (stairs or elevator available) and different viewing places such as a mini theater and music/projection on the wall. Teen local artists' works were displayed, giving young artists a great opportunity and showcasing. You also have the opportunity to express yourself and artistic talent with a hands-on activity area and reading books. Great for adults and children. You will leave inspired! There is also a small book shop with lots of options for purchase. Free lockers to lock your belongs while visiting.

It is an incredible museum. One can learn many things about African communities. It’s fun to explore how different communities celebrate festivals. The museum gives a gist of few festivals. This museum offers free passes to SF public library members. The membership to library is free if you are a San Francisco resident.

Today I decided to spend one hour at SFMOMA and after 5pm the Moad was open until 6pm. It was a good day returning to Moad. I hadn't visited very much, but today it was a breath of energy to visit this gallery. There was a cove to sit and use art supplies near the window. There were sofa benches. There were 2 galleries and secret pieces around the gallery space..2-3 levels..there was a piece with licorice and it was creepy. The gift shop was interesting. It was really entertaining to visit this gallery today. Sit and spend time reflecting at the art space..Moad is a good way to spend an afternoon this summer. Thanks to SF art museums for all the fun exhibits.

This has been my second time to MoAD, they had a special docent tour of the newest curation !!!!Rachel Jones & Unruly Navigations with performance with Lalin St. Juste, presented in partnership with SFJAZZ. Our docent for the day was a delight, insightful, knowledgeable, and engaging. I didn't get his name but he was incredible! He gave us an in depth look and insight to the latest pieces displayed as well as a history lesson. Lastly, the tour ended with a beautiful performance by Lalin St. Juste. A beautiful afternoon surrounded by art and music.

I recently visited this museum for the first time. The variety of the art (styles and types) were really balanced and inspiring. I also appreciated the size of the museum: it is a good-sized space where you can come in and be moved and inspired, throughout the 3 galleries that I saw, for an hour or two. This is not a museum that you would spend all day in and get into a overstimulated coma. This is a place you would return to again and again to see new exhibits, and even see what you've already seen and enjoy it in a new way. The staff who worked there were particularly friendly and welcoming.

My first visit. SO glad I did. History recorded in a beautiful, inspiring, uplifting way. I wish I had taken more pics than video to share. I was drawn to the expansive bookshelf and the Value Test: Brown Paper exhibit, mesmerized by how it was captured in such a meticulous, unique way artistically. I wish it was a bigger museum with more exhibits, but there was so much to take in already. Highly recommended.

Really enjoyed visiting this museum. Very affordable. Military and Veteran discounts available.

We have always meant to visit this museum but never fit in into the schedule. The museum is small and has three floors with some smaller exhibition spaces. The photography from around the world was spectacular, the colors vibrant and exploding off the walls. It is hard not to think of how difficult life is, and has been, for many of the people in the pictures. Everyone should take a hour or so to view this museum. Quite and education and the talent displayed is real.

It was a rainy day...all day...but I was still determined to come here. We parked down at the Metreon and walked down. The space is around the corner from MOMASF. I do agree with some of the other Yelpers that the museum deserves a bigger space. The first floor had a exhibit by Sam Vernon. Very intriguing! The second floor had two artists showcased. I was in awe of Billie Zangewa's "Thread for a Web Begun." She hand sews silk fabrics to create collage images. I liked the detail and intention behind each work. So beautiful! The other side of the gallery offered "Refutations" featuring emerging artist Sydney Cain whose haunting graphite drawings are intense and beautiful at the same time. There was also a film exhibition on the same floor called "beyond the sky." There were four films. I was able to catch two. "Deep Down Tidal" by Tabita Resaire. It was an interesting film and in some parts of it, the music was soothing, and it made me sleepy. The next film, "The Moon and Me" by Kalu Oji, was amazing! The young actress had this charisma that would remind audiences of childhood innocence. The music and images were also very relaxing and at one point, I fell asleep...not because I was bored, but I was just relaxed...it happens a lot with me. But I loved this film! The wonder and awe of it! The last exhibit I walked through was "Soul of Black Folks" by Amoako Baofo. Loved the images he has created! Some can be a little haunting but the detail and use of color is mesmerizing! It was a great way to spend the afternoon and learn something new. Like I said before, I wish they had a larger space. Definitely worth checking out!

MOAD is a small museum (two floors of small galleries) that features traveling exhibitions (not a permanent collection) of really interesting work by black artists. The current show- black venus- has beautiful work by Renee Cox, Carla Williams, and others, and is definitely worth seeing. As I said, it's small- we were there for maybe 45 minutes- but it was time well spent.

Enjoyed a visit with family visiting in town, parked in parking lot near metreon . Short walk around before entering the museum. The museum staff were great. The exhibits were wonderful and happy we were able to visit . Wish there was more exhibits to explore .

Took Bart to SF to see the Soul of Black Folks exhibit today and just see the museum. While the signs and the voice recordings say they are open today... doors are locked and no one's answering the phone. We weren't the only visitors who were disappointed.

I visited several museums in Downtown San Francisco on Culture of Community Day on Feb 20th. The second stop was the Museum of African Diaspora or MoAD, which I have walked by many times. I was looking forward to checking it out on Community Day. It's a contemporary art museum that celebrates Black cultures that inspires learning through the eyes of the African Diaspora. It's a modern building and the exhibits are located on three floors, though each floor is not large. There were four exhibits, Black is Beautiful, the Photography of Kwame Brathwaite, Don't Shoot: An Opus of the Opulence of Blackness, Chanell Stone, and Baye Fall. Most of the these exhibits were photography displays of interesting African-American culture and life. Some interesting photos of Miles Davis and a James Brown show announcement. A nice museum on the culture and life of African-Americans. The experience can vary based on the current exhibits.

I'm a fan of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art and NMAAHC in DC, which I frequented a number of times when I still lived back east. Being a Smithsonian Affiliate, I'm reminded a bit of those museums when I visit MoAD. While the arrangement of the museum sometimes makes the exhibits feel spare, I've enjoyed my visits here. The two upper floors feature galleries and a theater, plus an education center. I've seen a great exhibit by Robert Cole Scott here a few years ago, and more recently works by Jordan D. Schnitzer and emerging artists. They're open five days a week and I've been able to come here a handful of times during special late hours or for events. Whether you're visiting San Francisco or local to the Bay Area, I'd recommend checking MoAD out for a smaller, more intimate museum experience!

Free on Saturdays and from 5-8pm on the third Thursday of the month. Beautiful museum with an interesting and unique focus. Most of the exhibits are on floors two and three, and they change all the time, so there's always something new to see.

I work in SoMa on Saturdays & was going to head to pick up some groceries at Trader Joe's nearby before rolling back to the East Bay when I stumbled past the Museum of the African Diaspora. They had an event going on today from 2-5pm w/ Chef in residence Bryant Terry presenting "Black. Books. Beats" w/ DJ Cavem Moetavation. This holiday party on the first floor of the museum featured a curated selection of must-have cookbooks celebrating food of the African Diaspora. There was plenty of great tunes from hip-hop, soul, & jazz. I especially loved the old school hip hop including songs by Tupac, Tribe Called Quest, & Nas. I am a Bryant Terry fan as he is a African-American vegan based cookbook author who lives in Oakland. I love his cookbook "Afro-Vegan" as it features farm-fresh African, Caribbean, & Southern Flavors remixed. I have cooked from his cookbooks before & find the recipes highly creative & innovative. My favorite part of his cookbooks is suggested songs to go w/ each of his recipes as besides loving vegan food I also love an eclectic array of tunes. Besides the DJ playing plenty of great tunes there was also drinks & light bites. I enjoyed some Middle Eastern food including Muhammara & Butternut Squash Tahini w/ pita bread & Za'atar mini'eesh which was all vegan. It was a great spread. There was also two types of wine available yet passed on those as don't drink. As I was enjoying my eats someone was speaking to me next to me yet the music was so loud I couldn't hear him at all & only saw his mouth moving as not to be impolite I just nodded my head. Bryant Terry walked up to us & was very personable as said hi to us for a hot minute. So cool to finally meet him. The staff who worked here were very kind & welcoming. The books that were curated in the gift shop were on point. I will definitely return here to check out more of the Museum another day yet have to admit they throw some serious holiday parties & serendipity happens.

Beautiful photography collection and friendly staff made this a must see during our trip to San Francisco!

I hate to give this museum one star but the young lady who was working there on Sunday had the worst attitude. It wasn't busy, it was around 330 pm, and my husband asked where was the bathroom, because of the mask mandate he didn't quite understand her under the mask but with her eyes you could see and the rest of my party also commented on the fact that she looked at him as if he was stupid, and proceeded to explain where the bathroom was for a second time as if he was stupid. After paying the 12 dollars each we visited the floors within the museum and went over to the MOMA where they were inviting and nice. Sometimes it be our own people treating us with levels of disrespect. I won't ever go back for that very reason.

Nice place next to SFMOMA. Went in on a whim, looked around and then paid the entry fee. It's a see but I'm not sure I'd highly recommend it. They are three floors. I think (my opinion, my review) the " African diaspora" has much, much more to offer than the pieces seen. ThOne piece in particular I found almost offensive but that's a what art is right? It's thought provocation and interpretation. You can try it, it's a quick visit if you're on your way to SFMOMA. One life, one love! Live & Love!

1 star off: This museum is a lot smaller than I thought. I would consider it less of a museum, but more of an art gallery. It only took me about half an hour to go through the entire "museum." 1 star off: There are couple pieces of embroidery that I find interesting, but the descriptions lack substance. If one is in the area and has time to spare, I would recommend stopping by. I would not recommend making a special trip here though. I just did not feel more educated or inspired after visiting MOAD. I would prefer to spend $10 on an overpriced S.F. coffee drink if I will not be educated or inspired.

Pretty underwhelming unfortunately. First things first, check what the exhibits are before you go. Apparently (although I didn't see it anywhere) when we went it was all about Carnival in different Caribbean nations. This might have been interesting but nothing was particularly engaging. Some of the pictures were beautiful but the descriptions were seriously lacking i.e. sometimes made no sense and did not explain the exhibit (maybe I'm just dumb). The reason I say to check the exhibits it because I was expecting more variety ie talking about wider diaspora and so it's helpful to control your expectations. The place is also tiny. Like seriously we were done in 45 min and we were not going fast there was just not really much to see despite 3 floors. I wonder if sometimes the floors have more stuff. Anyway all in all could have been better but good to show your support for the cause. Hope they can continue to improve.

Came to this museum on MLK day (shoutout to the volunteers because it's usually closed) and I loved it! It's a little small but still has great exhibits, convenient area and friendly staff. They did a great job highlighting black culture. They even had a jazz band perform, it was great. I'll deff be back when I'm in the area again.

As luck would have it, I was in the Bay Area the week MoAD opened the recent exhibition Black Refractions, which is curated from the permanent collection of The Studio Museum in Harlem (where I use to work). It was wonderful to see so many pieces that I'd become familiar with in a new setting, and MoAD's building is beautiful. The museum is located in a prime area, very close to SFMOMA and many other cultural institutions. While some have commented on its size, I found MoAD to be intimate, which made for a better art viewing experience. The exhibition space was well designed, and I liked how this show covered two floors. The museum also has a great schedule of programs (which I can't attend since I live in NYC) but I strongly encourage those who live closer to do so! I look forward to visiting MoAD the next time I'm in town.

The gallery is a bit smaller than I expected. About 50 artwork. What I liked most was the art studio, where we could take selfies with the props and backgrounds provided. We can also create our own prints and take them home! Staff members are really nice. Stayed there for an hour. Don't forget to take some free postcards at the front desk before you go!

I loved this museum, free today on MLK day. A perfect way to spend a couple of hours. The paintings, the photos, the kids performing 1930's jazz. I could spend hours looking at the photograph "wallpaper" on the stairs and elevator . I will return.

I went to the museum for the first time yesterday. FABULOUS!! Wish I went earlier. The 2 main exhibits were wonderful. I'm going to go again and take some other friends. The space is inviting and staff were helpful and charming. Don't miss this jewel!

Went to MOAD after SFMOMA & Jewish Museum for Target Family Day Sun 10/18/09. Ground floor - museum store - very small. 2nd Fl - there was some jazz musicians. 3rd Fl - The Art of Richard Mayhew. Black artist that does landscapes & plays jazz. Pretty cool. People were also able to do some screen painting for Target Family Day - we didn't. Looked cool.

I thoroughly enjoyed this museum! It's fairly small, so I appreciate that they focus on one region at a time. It's only $10 for a ticket and most Bay Area libraries have free tickets all the time so you can always come back once they have a new exhibit. South Africa was the main focus when I went last week. I loved the art and documentaries that were featured and thought they showcased the diversity of experience within that country very well. I'll be back.

I'm rating mostly for the concept. The site is definitely lacking in material and the best part is really the gift shop on the first floor. All items are carefully selected and all the ones we looked at are fair trade. Overall a beautiful site. There is more nudity than I believe is reasonable so we will not be bringing our children to visit with us. Hopefully with a little time they will add more material and education on the different diasporic streams and definitely for the empowerment of the people groups that were formed out of the dispersals even before the forced migration to the Atlantic.

ALL these people who are writing bad reviews are idiots! This museum is phenomenal. I've been coming for years and it gets better every time. This is an art museum featuring contemporary artists of African descent. This is NOT a history museum. Exhibitions change every few months, so you need to go often to really understand it. Yes, this IS a museum. People who say it's too small to be a museum don't know anything about museums -- ignore those reviews. Do you people think museums all start off as these huge buildings? Even SFMOMA used to be a single gallery when it was started in 1935. It just became the huge 7-story building a couple years ago. I'm a member and I will continue to support MoAD so it one day can have a bigger building and a better presence in San Francisco. Being raised in SF, I've seen how gentrification has almost eliminated the black presence in this city. I'm proud that a cultural organization dedicated to black art is still in the city. My favorite things are the bookstore and the public programs are so varied. I wish I was still a kid because their education programs look amazing. I always read the guides for teachers whenever they have them on the website so I know what to expect. I really also love the middle gallery because it always has a local artist and sometimes they do such an amazing job like the current artist using hair to make tapestries and sculptures. I also really like going across the street to the Jewish Museum. It's great to see contemporary expressions of cultures. If you are looking for history, this isn't the place for you. I suggest reading about all the exhibitions on the website BEFORE going. That way, you'll have a good idea of what to expect. I also subscribed to the newsletter and it always talks about amazing programs happening every single week, like the free third Thursday poetry nights.

Came here after finding the nearby SFMOMA closed. (Hint: SFMOMA is closed on Wednesdays) Boy, what a disappointment. Roxana L. wasn't joking when she said it was small. When you walk in, the foyer and gift shop / admissions desk is literally 1/2 of the museum area. My buddy and I paid our $5 admission, and went up the stairs. There's a small conference room, a 25 seat theatre, and a dark (pitch black) room where you could listen to stories from former slaves. And.. that's it? There was no 3rd floor when we went - it was under renovations. Maybe that's why the admission was $5 instead of $10. My friend and I left scratching our heads. It was somewhat informative, but definitely not what I was looking for, even in terms of information. I do have a hard time recommending this place.

Came for the free MLK Day event. First time visiting since the renovation. Pros: Love the new space! Great community engagement and lots of kid friendly activities. Cons: It's tiny. Limited collections on the second and third floor. First floor is just a gift shop. I don't think the space is utilized all that well and we were able to see the entire thing in about 45 min...including a 20 min video. I think with more art and better curated collections, this could really be a special place. I really wanted to get something from the gift shop too but it's also really small and limited-wish there were more art prints. I'll support MoAD for special events but I hope they really FILL the space they have, though small, with more artwork.

As others have mentioned, the museum is on the small side, and I can see that a membership would be great because the exhibits seem to change pretty frequently. As such, I'm sure the experience depends on which exhibits and artworks are on display. I enjoyed what I saw but would have liked more artwork and more descriptions. The employees were very friendly and helpful, and I liked the small giftshop. SF library patrons can get a free pass to the museum using the "SFPL Discover and Go" program online or in libraries.

Super cool spot in SOMA - basically a couple of floors of ever changing exhibits dedicated to the African migration around the world and the impact on other countries and culture. $10 entry per adult, kids and old folks get a discount. Currently the Grace Jones exhibit is rocking it and is super cool, so much good stuff to see and analyse. The Dandy Lion exhibit on well dressed dapper chaps is also a blast (I need to up my fashion game...) A very cool gift shop too - get here and get high brow!

I am so impressed and thrilled to be at this museum. I am LOVING the exhibit on Carnivale as a performance art! Brilliant. I highly recommend this museum to all art lovers and anyone who wants an experience worthy of the word.

Museum of the African Diaspora, otherwise known as MOAD, hosts African stories and arts. 'Diaspora' is defined as being a migration or scattering of a people. I'm unsure as to why this museum specifically used this word because they do not host works specifically on this topic. And why not just be a museum that hosts the rich history of African art instead of one movement of the African experience? MOAD is split up into three levels. There's a gift shop, performance area, education center, and art collection. If you're expecting to look at a lot of African art, prepare to be disappointed. While the art they do have is very good, it's primarily 2D visual arts. There are some multimedia pieces and a theater that plays a short documentary, yet nothing that competes with other museums such as SFMOMA, Asian Art Museum, or even the new Contemporary Jewish Museum. I've been wanting to come here for a long time but never really heard anything about it. The exhibitions don't seem that interesting either. I'd only recommend visiting when it's a free day. I totally agree with the statement, "Africa is a continent, not a country." MOAD please represent what is in dire need of being represented.

This museum had a nice variety of art styles and subject matter. It showcased art from countries in Africa to honoring local artists. I enjoyed the photo area and the statements surrounding pride. It was an overall uplifting experience.

Sadly, they don't have much to look at. The security is strict about having food, which I'm fond of because nothing is more annoying than people spilling or dropping food and drinks onto artwork or the like.

I came here for the opening reception for their new exhibit, and I was really excited to view this museum because I love museums and I hadn't been here before! We decided we'll start at the top and work our way down. Unfortunately, the top floor, the 3rd floor, was closed off for the night, so we didn't get a chance to see it. It could be awesome, but for now, we have no idea. The 2nd floor was featuring the new exhibit. There was a massive room with live music, and historic movie posters on the walls, but not much else. I'm not sure if they moved out some of the exhibits for the party, but if not, it was very small! Also on the 2nd floor, there were a few interactive exhibits (children's activities), a movie screening room, and a cool transitioning-portraits section in one room, but unfortunately, that's it. It was just too small. We saw the entire 2nd floor in about 10 minutes and we read every word on every sign, and examined everything there was to see. There wasn't really anything on the 1st floor except for a gift shop. I don't really have anything bad to say about this museum, I just wish it featured more. I really thought the patrons and staff were interesting and friendly. The building itself is really modern and interesting. I wish this museum the best and I hope it grows! I hope to visit it again and see the 3rd floor and hopefully they will have more to see.

I am always inspired when I visit MOAD. The MOAD Emerging Artists program has introduced some amazing work to me. The exhibit last year of new work by established artist Toyin Ojih Odutola was a revelation. MOAD is a gem.

So disappointing! We've been to several African American museums across the country: Montgomery, Birmingham, New York, and this is the worst. Exhibits are skimpy, bad use of space... best thing is the short movies. Too bad, SF! Get it together please...

Check out their website to see what the exhibitions are before you go. It's a small space and there are often events in some galleries. I enjoyed my visit very much, even though one gallery was blocked off for a special event (though I got a discount on admission because of that, which is nice!). The variety of exhibits they're able to cram into their small space without harming the quality is great. Definitely worth the visit and would pair well with the Contemporary Jewish Museum nearby.

This museum is little, but the exhibits are very nicely done and worthwhile. My favourite was their tribute to Grace Jones. So much to see and hear about this awesome woman! I recommend checking it out before its gone. I will certainly return for future exhibits. This museum is a gem in SF. It's also located in a convenient area close to MOMA and other museums so it can be part of a museum-hopping excursion.

This is the first real comprehensive museum that went I to after Jewish and Yerba Buena. There was a three floors and a lot to take. $10 bucks for adults and $5 for students. Some powerful images of African people over the last several hundred years. Very profound to take it even if you aren't an art major or creative field. I'm not sure if this museum is the best for kids cause there is strong material. But adults and other older people can and should certainly appreciate all this museum has to offer. Definitely worth the time and money to come here and check out all the exhibits.

I made this museum a required stop while I was in San Francisco for a few conferences, and I'm extremely glad that I got the change to be in this space. Yes, it's perhaps not as big as other museums, but I'm from Brooklyn where the equivalent (MoCADA) is the size of a gallery space so I was appreciative of the 3 floors. The folks who work here are incredibly helpful and friendly - don't hesitate to ask them for help. I was delighted by the work on display when I visited and although I couldn't take photos, I'm sure I'll remember this chill experience for awhile.

The staff is very friendly and informative. Beautiful museum but as others say, it is small but it's nice being in a smaller museum... It makes it more intimate. I recommend going.

We did not read Yelp reviews prior to visiting. We expected the MoAD to be a museum of historical and cultural items related to the migration of people from Africa to other parts of the world. We know that much of this was done forcefully with the slave trade but continues today for many reasons, both good (educational & economic) and bad (flight from war and other catastrophes.) What we found was more of a small art gallery. Most of the exhibits were visually appealing however overall the exhibits and posted explanations were not clearly related to the diaspora. In that, we were disappointed, or at least confused. The smaller pieces were attached to the walls using paper clips hanging from small pins in the wall. This looked rather bizarre for a museum/gallery, amateurish. The woman at the admission desk was very friendly and gave considerable orienting information. The cost is low. We parked in a public lot about a block away, that cost us $10 for 2 hours. The museum website has a link for parking in the area. That was very helpful.

The mere fact that this museum exists is reason enough for 4 stars. I've visited the MOAD several times since its inception in 2005, and I always enjoy myself. Sure, it's small, but again, it is space reserved for us. And that, is huge. Yesterday was my first visit since the recent renovation, and I brought my 65 year-old mother with me. This was her first visit to the MOAD and first visit to a museum since a child in grade school here in San Francisco. She loved the museum and is looking forward to sharing her visit with family and friends. I am blessed to have shared those moments with her.

A small museum with several floors. Spacious, well lit. Reasonably priced - a great place to while away a couple of hours. Enjoyed the recent Jimi Hendrix exhibit and loved the charcoal paintings by Meleko Mokgosi.

This was a sad day. It was a rainy day... But we ventured out in the hopes of catching a few of the museums free to the public on one of the city days. I was very excited about this visit and was hoping to give breadth to, or at least receive validation of what I already understand to be the events and cultures surrounding the african diaspora. So... at that we clamor in and get to the second floor. Immediately I am shuffled along with the foot traffic into this 360degree room showing a film on... diversity? change? family? community maybe? Who knows. What I do know is that immediately I get a flood of "we are the world" syndrome and start to feel claustrophobic. I leave. I venture past some interactive media stints and am not captured. Finally... in the corner of the museum I think i've found something. There is a room completely dark except for projected dim wave like images circulating the room and in the backdrop are slave narratives. I sit with my eye's closed and listen. I hear a woman telling briefly of middle passage and appreciate this. This is, however, quickly over- shadowed by a house slaves narrative. Followed by a couple more that outline the tender relationship slaves had towards they're masters. Great. I need to leave because my blood starts to hurt... Where are the accounts of terror and blood!!? Wtf. This is slavery we are talking about right? I am disappointed and leave to then spend considerable time in the "we are the world" in food. O.k. where are the black people? Didn't this Museum say something about african? I'm confused. Yet my mind is cleared as I loft through the food exhibit and find nations of the "first" world the majority of those displayed. Of course shown grossly abundant in food and only showing certain classes from the countries of europe, u.s., japan, australia, ect... But wait! In a corner I spot black people! Ah yes... what do they eat in african countries? Well... besides one obviously upper class family shown in africa the other folks in africa are apparently (according to what was on display) in refugee camps with only sacks of grain. Whatever. The most african thing I got from the whole experience was my graffiti of the world calender 2008. the end.

I have had the pleasure of participating in Carnival as an American alongside my Carribean friends in Atlanta. Carnival is a big deal in the Caribbean community and unique to the cultural fabric of each island nation. I was very disappointed in what the MOAD displayed for "En Mas" it's carnival exhibit. It did not educate me or my daughter on Carnival, it's history, importance or connection to the diaspora. They even displayed carnival in a London city, which ironically featured all white people in masks playing drums. This is my 3rd time visiting the museum and unfortunately I've always felt the experience was incomplete. The Oakland museum near Laney College occasionally features exhibits tailored to the African/African American experience. I'd recommend checking them out before visiting the MOAD.