Nia Cultural Center

Dear Lawanda, Your presence, knowledge and dedication to the Nia Cultural Center was completely magnificent! You are a jewel to be cherished in the Galveston community. My husband and I enjoyed the beautiful presentation of historical excellence, and resiliency that exudes throughout Nia. We have told so many family and friends in New York City, please visit Lawanda at the Nia Cultural Center, you will be forever grateful. I cant stop smiling -Keep shining Lawanda your heart is completely genuine! With endearing respect and appreciation! Kimberly

Came here on a tour and Lawanda Hardeman was an amazing tour guide and story teller. She took our big group that was not on the schedule and fit us in before the scheduled group arrived for a quick tour and history lesson. It was heart felt. I'm grateful we ran into her. She's amazing. Totally recommend. On another note, can't stand there were humans that were ok and happy to have spaces and treat them worst than they would treat any animal. Those aren't even humans and they can go to hell.

Absolutely perfect hidden cultural activity. We were in town and we're talking about how we needed to do a history lesson on Juneteenth when we walked right into this gem. The tour guide was amazing. So educational, intriguing, it was great to learn so much about the history of enslaved persons in Galveston!

The history of the Thompson family goes back 8 generations of Texans from Brazoria Texas. Joseph Thompson was the earliest ancestor who goes back to 1837. In 1867, Joseph was 32 & registered to vote in Texas. His wife, Martha, was born in Texas in 1840. And she was the matriarch of this family, "An unknown founding family of Texas." Professor Juneteenth Samuel Collins III 7th generation. This small black & white shows some of the early Thompson family members. All things said, this center is a great piece of culture & art. Enjoy it the next time you visit Galveston.

The NRA cultural center, conveniently located on the strand in Galveston is a very good arts museum. Its focus is African-American history with specific emphasis on Juneteenth. Inside the exhibits change from time to time, but you are sure the see a variety of paintings, crafts, literature, and other works of art , that will both entertain and educate. The museum is large enough to offer a variety of items to entertain you small enough to allow you to see the entire museum with one visit.

A must see if your in Galveston. Mr. Collins is very well educated on history. Nia Cultural Center has a lot of history and informational. This was one of my favorites on the island.

My family and I were walking along the Strand when we saw the mural that is onside of the Nia Cultural Center. After viewing the mural, we decided to walk in the center. We were greeted by a woman named Lawanda Ward. She was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the African American history of Galveston. She took the time to explain the meaning of many of the paintings and wood sculptures that were housed there. We felt that we had our own personal guide. She quizzed my kids on history and shared history about many famous African Americans that I wasn't aware of. Visiting the Nia Cultural Center is a must see if you are in Galveston and I would recommend the center to people who live in Houston and surrounding cities. She also shared with us about upcoming events in Galveston. I definitely recommend and I plan to return in the near future.

Hi I am from Fort LLauderdale Florida I visited the cultural center and I learned so much about the culture of Galveston Texas. Lawanda H Ward You are 100%

This has got to be the best and most informative tour I have ever had. When you go somewhere and find someone excited about what they are doing, it's infectious. We were checking out stores in the Strand and my brother happened to see NIA Cultural Center. We went inside (there were 11 of us) and Lawanda took her time to give us a complete and immersive tour. We learned so much about our history and Juneteenth that we never even knew. We heard stories about people we never heard of before. She kept adding more and more to our tour and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment! If you ever have an opportunity to stop in and take a tour, it is so worth it. The entire experience was free and you come away yearning to know more. I did not ask for Lawanda's permission to post a picture, so I am loading one where she is not clearly seen. Please let me know if you want it removed.

Enjoyed the exhibit just wish there was atleast one or two interactive items. Seemed to be mostly about the rodeo and a lot of reading. Tip: the address reflected here and in "maps" is not the museum. It's correct in their website; on the strand

Assuming this is NIA culture center is the same one now located on the strand: The NRA cultural center, conveniently located on the strand in Galveston is a very good arts museum. Its focus is African-American history with specific emphasis on Juneteenth. Inside the exhibits change from time to time, but you are sure the see a variety of paintings, crafts, literature, and other works of art , that will both entertain and educate. The museum is large enough to offer a variety of items to entertain you small enough to allow you to see the entire museum with one visit.

I spontaneously attended a tour in which Mr Sam Collins led. He was very patient and knowledgeable about the history of Our culture and the art that was displayed. I love the art and how unique everything was. I would definitely recommend stopping by!