Najee Dorsey Commissioned by The Woodson African American Museum of Florida to Create New Mural for America 250 Exhibition

Najee Dorsey Commissioned by The Woodson African American Museum of Florida to Create New Mural for America 250 Exhibition

America at 250 by Najee Dorsey ( 8' section of 30' mural)

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida has commissioned acclaimed artist, curator, and Black Art In America founder Najee Dorsey to create a major new mural as part of its presentation of Many Voices, One Nation: Our Community, a landmark exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Opening in July 2026, Many Voices, One Nation: Our Community is presented through the Smithsonian Institution's Museum on Main Street program in partnership with Florida Humanities. The Woodson was selected as one of only three organizations in Florida to host the exhibition, which examines the diverse peoples, cultures, and experiences that have shaped the American story.

Dorsey's commissioned mural will serve as a centerpiece of The Woodson's local interpretation of the exhibition, offering a powerful visual narrative that expands upon the Smithsonian framework while bringing to the forefront stories of resilience, migration, resistance, and cultural contribution that have often been omitted from traditional accounts of American history.

“Through powerful visual storytelling, he challenges audiences to reflect on the many voices that have shaped the American experience.

Silence can no longer define these narratives. Through a commissioned work created specifically for The Woodson as part of America 250: Many Voices, One Nation, a national exhibition presented in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and Florida Humanities, Dorsey gives voice to stories too often overlooked, ensuring that the contributions, struggles, resilience, and triumphs of African Americans are recognized as an integral part of our shared national story”, states Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of The Woodson African American Museum

This commission opportunity aligns deeply with one of Dorsey’s longest running narratives, that "Stories Untold are Stories Forgotten” - drawing from a decades long artistic practice exploring African American history and identity, Dorsey will create an original work that engages with the exhibition's central question: How do we understand the American story when viewed through the many voices that have helped shape it?

"America's 250th anniversary offers a tremendous opportunity to remember the long history of resistance in America, and to shape the narratives of resistance today.  " said Dorsey. “This mural seeks to honor those voices, invite reflection on our history, and inspire thought about our current circumstances." In the 30 ft by 10 ft mural Dorsey ambitiously intends to tackle all four of the exhibitions major themes: Unsettling History (1492–1776), Peopling an Expanding Nation (1776–1900), New Americans, Continuing Debates (1900–Today), and Negotiating the Promise of America, creating an overarching view of African American history.

As the United States marks its semi quincentennial, Many Voices, One Nation: Our Community reminds audiences that the American story is not the story of one people, but of many. Through Dorsey's mural and the broader exhibition, visitors will be invited to consider how those many voices continue to define the nation's evolving identity and its ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive future.

About Najee Dorsey

Najee Dorsey is an artist, curator, and founder of Black Art In America. His multidisciplinary practice explores African American history, Southern culture, migration, memory, and resilience through photomontage, collage, painting, and installation. For more than three decades, Dorsey has created work that documents overlooked narratives while fostering dialogue around culture, identity, and community.

Widely recognized for his photomontage works and mixed-media practice, Dorsey has built a national reputation for creating art that connects historical memory with contemporary conversations about identity, belonging, and cultural preservation. His work is held in public and private collections throughout the United States and has been featured in museums, universities, and cultural institutions nationwide.

About The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida preserves, presents, and interprets the history and culture of people of African descent, with a focus on Florida and the broader African Diaspora. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, The Woodson advances understanding, dialogue, and cultural appreciation.