Lakers Celebrate Black History Month With a Visit to the California African American Museum

The museum was specially opened so that this group of students could take a tour with the Lakers. When the students first arrived, they explored the Black Olympians, Moments in Inspiration Exhibit. On display were photographs and artifacts representing the participation of African American athletes through the years. After they learned about the athletes' success stories, students enjoyed the hands on exhibit of athletic equipment including a punching bag, in-place bicycles, and many other activities.

Once the Laker players arrived, the students were split into two groups. One group went with Tierre and a tour guide, and the other group went with Jumaine and another tour guide, as the students continued their tour of the museum. One of the exhibits the students traveled through was The African American Journey West, which provided information about the journey from the west coast of Africa to the west coast of America. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the two groups also experienced a special, temporary exhibit, Deconstructing Apartheid: The Photography of Peter Magubane. Here, students viewed real-life images of life in South Africa and the practices of the apartheid.

The event was a great learning experience for all the students and a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month. Each of the students also received a Lakers backpack full of school supplies as they said good-bye to Tierre and Jumaine.

Tierre Brown and students study photos in the museum’s “Deconstructing Apartheid: The Photography of Peter Magubane” exhibit.

Jumaine Jones and the students learn about African American artwork in the museum’s permanent exhibit, The African American Journey West.

Jones joins his group from Trinity Street Elementary School.

Brown stands with his group from Trinity Street Elementary School.