Center for African American Military History, Inc.
Ready & Forward; We Can, We Will!
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Over the past fifty years, students and adults have lost interest in social studies and history. The programs and historians involved have made this center and museum the place for educators, other museums and historians to connect this era of American history to students as it helps to connect historic history to current history for many. There are few places in America where youth, especially African American youth, can gain a true, historical perspective on the rationale of former slaves who worked for democracy in American and was willing to fight for freedom for others around the world. Because test scores show that students have lost interest in learning history, they need to see their own artwork, research, and documentation of artifacts, photographs, uniforms, connected to them. They then explore their own family history, including any family military history, with their current progress in life, and potential for their future.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Chaplains of the Buffalo Soldier Regiments
The Chaplains served a dual role in the early history of the Buffalo Soldiers, helping them with literacy, manners, and developing gentleman presentations. They were spiritual leaders and teachers. One Chaplain was assigned to each Buffalo Soldier regiment.
Museum Tours
BSNM Tours are the priority as it’s the sole reason for guest visiting the museum. An increase in marketing will help numbers to grow although there has been a decline in museum visitation across the nation
A. Onsite tours are self-guided
B. Onsite Group Tours and Re-Enactments- booking and tour process has been revised
C. Offsite Group Tours and Re-Enactments- booking process revised, pricing consistent
Performing Arts and Theatre
Our re-enactment program is currently led by Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux and Wayne Dehart. Our Arts and Theater program is designed to add a lively approach to learning about African American military history. We intend to give history movement and color through this program.
Support: Texas Commission on the Arts
A. Re-Enactors- Adult, experienced Actors portrayal of historic figures and stories
• Young Performers- Youth and young adult up and coming looking to take performing to the next level. Led by veteran actors.
• Storytime with Harriet- designed for youth 4-8 years old
• Paint Your History- History painting party, led by an Artist. Occasional live model of a Soldier, or artifact from our collection. Intended audiences will vary but youth 11-17 for weekend and weekday classes and Adults 21 and older for late classes
* Art projects by participants
Fit To Serve
This program is designed to get seniors and vets moving and active. We intend to create a holistic approach to wellness by working with community partners to provide the following classes and workshops to our audience.
Support: AARP
A. Martial Arts
B. Self Defense
C. African Dance/Drumming
D. Managing Service vs Civilian Life (Care Giving Program AARP)
E. Navigating PTSD
F. Other : Yoga, Tae Kwon Do, Nutrition, Mental Health
Oral History Project
This program is designed for Veterans and women and men who have served in the Military to be completely open and honest about experiences in the service from base, fort to battlefield. In partnership with JO Malone (filmographer)-Black Market
Support: Library of Congress, WellsFargo
Lead: Board Member, Allen Grundy
A. Interview Veterans and Civilians from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Digital recording and transcripts will be developed, archived here and with Library of Congress.
Meet the Artist/Author
Meet the… was designed for stakeholders, community members, art lovers and avid readers to meet the man or woman behind the work. Panels and lectures will be scheduled quarterly alternating between art and literature throughout the year based on the availability of artist and authors.
A. Bi-Annual event-Author in March, Artist in October
STEM and STEAM
As the transition continues from STEM to STEAM we are dedicated to provide programs and assistance. STEAM allows students to connect their learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, together with art practices, elements, design principles and standards to provide the whole pallet of learning.
Support: Foundations, Corporations
Lead: Mrs. Pam Holliman- currently working on additional partners to collaborate with
Partners: NASA-Andrea Mosie
Junior Troopers
Our Jr Trooper program is an initiative to give every student in the Houston metropolitan area a chance to visit the museum at no charge to the student or school. Additionally, youth summer programs, such as camping trips are offered for low to moderate income students. Our goal is to ensure all students have access to the history and programming that we provide.
A. Youth outdoor exploration in partnership with 9th & 10th, Positive Black Males, MEN INC
B. Support: Texas Parks & Wildlife, HEB
Military-Inspired Arts
In an effort to pay homage to that bravery, heroism and artistry, MIA will create an atmosphere where veterans, active duty men and women can showcase their talents off the battlefield along with other modern and contemporary artist who may have been influenced by the military. JULY 27, 2018 –first program
Partners: AARP, Black Art in America
Support: AARP, Houston First
A. Scheduling, fees paid to artists, travel, advertising
B. Program
• Panel Discussion
• Live Art Painting
• Breakout Sessions: Art School
• Food and Music
C. Dealing with PTSD the ArtWay
D. Artist showcase
Tuskegee Airmen
Chris Hopkins has a collection of 61 paintings that depict Tuskegee Airmen service time: “Red Tails Silver Wings”
A. Possible 2-3 month exhibit
B. Fee to ship items, and flight for artist to come in during exhibit opening
C. Tuskegee Airmen movies
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
American Association of Museums - Member 2004
External reviews
Photos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of paid participants on field trips
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Related Program
Junior Troopers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
We introduce urban and inner city youth to our state parks and recreational areas.
Maximum number of participants allowed on field trips
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Related Program
Junior Troopers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Average price of field trip tickets
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Related Program
Junior Troopers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Average price of tickets depends on length of field trip, and time away from museum.
Total number of fields trips
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children and youth
Related Program
Junior Troopers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Budget, staff, and volunteers available affect the total number of field trips. As we grow, we will have moe field trips.
Number of paid participants in conferences
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Performing Arts and Theatre
Type of Metric
Context - describing the issue we work on
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Paid participants in conferences depends upon budget
Number of children who have the ability to understand and comprehend communication
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This metrix has been left up to the educators and parents who accompany children to our programs.
Number of contracts/purchase agreements that the organization holds for purchase of its products/services
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This fluctuates with the needs of the museum.
Number of children who have the ability to seek help from and respond appropriately to adults
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This is coordinated with the educators and parents who accompany children.
Total number of paid admissions
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Adults pay $10; students, seniors over 60, military pay $5; children 5 and under are free
Number of clients placed in internships
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This is a partnership between local colleges and universities, as well as with community training programs
Total number of free admissions
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This is an estimate based on "Free Museum on Thursdays" programs throughout the year where many people walk in without registering
Total number of off-site performances held
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Performing Arts and Theatre
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Includes schools, corporations, organizations, and parades
Number of accolades/recognition received from third-party organizations
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Based on estimates of written and verbal accolades received from schools, parents, organizations, and political leaders.
Number of educators who have opportunities to attend programs offered by professional organizations
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Performing Arts and Theatre
Type of Metric
Context - describing the issue we work on
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Educators often attend programs sponsored by our organization, as well as those organizations who put on programs in our building
Number of students showing interest in topics related to STEM
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
STEM and STEAM
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
As we present more progams and exhibits related to STEM, more students have shown interest, as well as some schools and NASA who have put on events in partnership with our organization.
Number of free participants of guided tours
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This has happened on some of our "Free Museum Thursday" programs where exact numbers have not been kept, but only estimates.
Number of administrators and staff who plan and experience professional development activities together
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Context - describing the issue we work on
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of paid participants of guided tours
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Until we have funds to install software and camera counters, we estimate based on groups and schools that request a guided tour.
Number of works exhibited temporarily
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Military-Inspired Arts
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Average dollar price of tickets for guided tours
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Museum Tours
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This is based on those who come on free days, reduced fees for larger groups, schools with reduced budgets, and discounts for families
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
This is a unique project as it is the only preservation project in Texas that is being developed as a learning and preservation project by a museum in cooperation with school educators, a community college, with affiliations with national organizations that will inspire students, especially from under-achieving schools, with a desire for increasing their knowledge of history, while learning more about the importance of preserving historic places that have value to them and their families. According to leadership at the Houston Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, the uniqueness of this armory’s history in cooperation with a growing interest in the preservation of historic places, as well as those interested in the work of the Buffalo Soldiers in developing safety in Texas, and in improving the expansion into the West will encourage the history learning of hundreds of thousands of youth in Houston and beyond that would not normally want to learn about history. The many artifacts, photos, and memorabilia of the history of the Buffalo Soldiers are some of the largest in the world, making the museum project unique from other programs. The programs and historians involved have made this museum the place for educators, other museums and historians to check with concerning this era of American history. This museum is also one of the few places in America where youth can gain a true, historical perspective on the rationale of former slaves and disenfranchised people of African American origin to work for democracy in America and be willing to fight for freedom for others around the world. There is no other arts and culture program of this nature addressing this educational and historical gap in history and human understanding. Students will have the opportunity to help bring more of the history alive with their own artwork, trips, research and documentation of artifacts, old photographs, uniforms, and other items in the museum.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Education:
1. addresses pressing needs in Pre-K – 12 education through the museum’s facilitated curriculum-based programs;
2. facilitates merit-based access to higher education for underrepresented groups in cooperation with Houston Community College, Texas Southern University, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, Houston Baptist University, St. Thomas University, and others;
3. support research and special programs of our education partners.
Arts & Culture:
1. facilitates access to, and participation in, a history museum cultural experiences for the entire region, but especially for persons with low- to moderate-income levels who may not hear of such experiences;
2. ensures the availability of a broad array of artistic opportunities/venues of museum re-enactors that reflect the diversity of the African American community
Environment and Natural Resources:
1. highlights the preservation and taking care of the environment by learning why it is important to save the historic Houston Light Guard Armory, thus enabling and sustaining access to green technology and sustainable sources of energy that many would not have knowledge of;
2. provides awareness and support for a project that has a significant impact on the protection of the environment and sustainable practices with its involvement with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and local preservation groups; and
3. promotes public education about the environment and sustainability through the media coverage of saving the armory as a part of saving a part of history for future generations
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The organization has the leadership of well-trained and disciplined, military personnel with college degrees who have experience in getting things outlined properly with timelines and logistically. The organization has a strong community board with connections throughout the city, county, state, and nation with foundations, corporations, businesses, politicians, organizations, and organizations who care about sharing little-known military history that helps people, especially young people, develop a stronger desire to understand how history continues to impact their lives. The community board and the newer, and younger staff, is also developing a long-term financial plan to develop a financial trustee group who will be responsible for maintaining strong, fiscal responsibilities with those in the field of finance, funding, military, history, education, research, and in museum investments. Also, educators have discovered that connecting students with such military history encourages them to want to know more about the influence of other histories, and how much other histories has impacted their family, and how history continues to impact them.
The organization is also saving a historic armory that needs to be preserved, with history connecting it to the Civil War. Such a project has gotten the attention of preservationists locally, statewide, and nationally. This armory is now the new national headquarters of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, connecting the holdings of the museum to the Smithsonian Museums, connecting the work of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Such a connection helps students more interest in history, science, art, and other cultures, developing a more holistic educational experience for students, especially those of African and Native American descent. This connection will ensure the longevity of the Center for African American Military History, and for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
In existence for over 19 years with local and state educators, politicians, businesses, corporations, organizations, preservationists, individuals, and funding groups; now owns the historic Houston Light Guard Armory which has two historic markers from the State of Texas; international visitors from the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Africa, and other countries; conducted tours for approximately 40,000 visitors annually, including 20 schools; received proclamations from Texas Governor Rick Perry, State Senator Rodney Ellis, former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown, and Councilwoman Ada Edwards; received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U. S. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee; internship program with the University of Houston and Texas Southern University; Memorandum of Agreement with Houston Community College; established a Board Fellow with Rice University; hosted 150th Anniversary Celebration of the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association; NCAA Gala Partnership; 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association Sponsorship of Medal of Honor Recipient Exhibit; conducted a NASA event; hosted 1st Venue Open House; 100th Commemoration of WWI, Lecture Series; Camp Logan Gravestone dedication; Camp Logan Historical Marker Rededication in Memorial Park; Benefit Concert to help Hurricane Harvey families; unveiling of Medal of Honor Wall; Grand Opening Day Veterans Day Celebration; proclamation from Commissioner and Rep Shelia Jackson Lee; featured on San Antonio ABC affiliate; rental revenue greatly increased; memberships grew by 25%;; featured on Fox 26; featured on RHOA on Bravo, Help Heal Houston Fundraiser, Bravo website; Museum Enhancement Project; American Legacy Traveling Exhibit; 18th Annual Gala Honoring Sergeants General; secured partnership with AARP; Third Year of Partnering with Radio One: marketing on all Radio One stations; M.I.A. Symposium in partnership with Black Art in America, great media coverage; First Celebration of National Buffalo Soldier Day; Veterans Day Celebration in partnership with French Veterans of Texas, French Consulate, 9th & 10th Horse Calvary Association, American Legion; monthly rental with a city-wide business group and Houston Black Market of vendors; quarterly contract with Walmart and Harris Health System; and rental/Bar revenue increased. Awards included Brain Trust - Congressional Black Caucus; Clutch City Champion - Houston Rockets; Community Service - NAACP; Carter G. Woodson Memorial; Museum Preservation - American Legacy Magazine; YMCA Houston Minority Achievers; National Women of Achievement Shinning Star; Top Ladies of Distinction Achievement; “George Washington Honor Medal” Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge; “Soaring Eagle” Tougaloo College; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Drum Major”; Houston Chapter of Girl Friends Inc.; NAACP Julius E. Williams Award.
Next is complete renovations of the Houston Light Guard Armory (1925) and preserve it for future generations; expansion of humanities programs.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Center for African American Military History, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 06/25/2021
President Melanie Richard
Kellogg Company
Term: 2019 - 2022
Angela Holder
Houston Community College
Pam Plumbar-Holiman
Allstate Insurance
June Marsh
Harris County Precinct 7
Nancy Arriola
Houston ISD (Ret.)
Samuel Davis
Consultant
Nathiel McClinton
Houston ISD (Ret.)
Robert E. Burnette, Jr.
Team Health West
Andrea Mosie
NASA
Damon Johnson
HVAC Engineer
Bruce Lemmie
State Farm Insurance Agent
Hulen Rigby
Exxon Mobile Employee (Ret.)
Ken Taylor
Taylor Photography
Raynell Parker-McNeil
Marketing Manager, RPK Enterprises
Shad Bogany
Better Home & Garden, Gary Greene Realtor
Eric Robinson
Educator, Houston ISD
Brenda Arnold Scott
City of Houston (Ret.)
Reginal McKamie
Attorney
David Whatley
VA Medical Center (Ret.)
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.
Equity strategies
Last updated: 02/19/2020GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.