The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) has named Shakia Gullette Warren as executive director, effective May 1, 2023. The selection of Warren to lead the institution is the result of the museum conducting an extensive national search.
Warren most recently served as director at The Concord House Museum and Historic Site in Prince George’s County, MD, and brings previous experience as a historian and community engagement specialist. Warren obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History from Fisk University in Nashville, TN and has worked as a public historian for more than 10 years. Dr. Monroe Harris, president of the board of directors said, “We are thrilled that Shakia accepted our offer to join BHMVA! Her background and knowledge, coupled with her evident passion for telling the stories of African Americans makes her an ideal fit to lead our team.”
Shakia is an experienced museum professional who brings passion and enthusiasm to the community. She brings her passion for community engagement to connect communities to the museums where she works. Shakia believes museums should be places of learning, exploration, and inspiration, and she has been credited with bringing this atmosphere to the institutions she has led. Her north star is equity and fostering a workplace of trust, honesty, and integrity. Shakia champions museum education and works to ensure that museum visitors can see themselves in the rich historic tapestry and culture that museums offer. Her commitment to museums led Shakia to be a nationally recognized leader for her dynamic public engagement work.
In addition to her current role, Warren has been instrumental in creating the branding initiative for AAHI (African American History Initiative) at the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis, MO. During her tenure as the Director of the African American History Initiative, Shakia created the groundbreaking intergenerational program series How Did We Get Here: Conversations about Race, Anti-Blackness, and Identity. Prior to her work in St. Louis,she was Curator of Exhibitions for the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, MD, where she created numerous exhibitions highlighting Maryland’s African American history and culture including, “Untold Stories: Athletes of Maryland’s Four Historically Black Colleges and Universities” which collectively showcased the often-neglected importance of HBCU sports history.
Shakia Gullette Warren to Lead Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Warren has received numerous awards and recognition throughout her career including being named to the St. Louis American’s Salute to Young Leaders 25 African American Leaders Under 40 and is a Focus St. Louis, CORO Women in Leadership member. She is also an active member of the Association of African American Museums, the Seminar for Historical Administration (SHA, now History Leadership Institute), the American Association for State and Local History, and the National Association of Interpretation (Certified Interpretive Guide). Additionally, she was selected to participate as an inaugural cohort member of the Association of African American Museums and Howard University School of Business Advanced Executive Training Program for museum leaders. Shakia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc., and enjoys spending time with her loving husband Gerald, family, and friends.
The new executive director comes onboard at a pivotal time for BHMVA. After the loss of Adele Johnson, former executive director, the museum celebrated 40 years of telling the inspirational stories of Virginia’s African American people. Moving forward into the next 40 years, BHMVA is committed to continuing the work started under her tenure as well as expanding efforts to tell stories of Black Virginians as part of the inclusive narrative of American history. Without having the ability to extend the physical footprint to serve the community and patrons the museum actively engages with mission aligned organizations to identify opportunities that make offerings accessible beyond the 122 West Leigh Street location. Said Dr. Harris, “Shakia understands the museum’s potential and she is excited to help us achieve all we are capable of becoming as we seek to educate and inform all people about the history and culture of Black Virginians.”
Shakia is equally excited to join BHMVA. “I am truly honored to serve in this capacity and follow in the footsteps of the changemakers who came before me. BHMVA is a remarkable institution with an extremely talented team with deep roots in Richmond’s community, and I look forward to fully immersing myself into Virginia’s rich culture and leading the institution into its next transformational stage.” Virginia’s Black history museum is on the rise and the future is bright. To find out more about BHMVA, visit blackhistorymuseum.org.
