By: Richard L. Smith
Community members from Union County will have the opportunity to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., thanks to a joint effort by the Elizabeth, Hillside, and Plainfield branches of the NAACP. 
The trip is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, and aims to provide residents—especially young people—with access to a rich and immersive account of Black history.
According to information released by the NAACP, the museum offers more than just exhibits—it presents a powerful, layered narrative of African American life, chronicling both the painful legacies of slavery and the triumphs of cultural achievement.
The timing of this visit is particularly significant as concerns grow over potential funding threats to the museum and other institutions promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“This makes our visit critically important,” said Nicole Graves-Watson, president of the Hillside NAACP Branch. “We want our youth to see the history and contributions on display—before they’re diminished or erased.”
Shawn McClain, who leads the Elizabeth Branch, emphasized unity among community groups. “It’s powerful to see organizations come together for this,” he said. “Black history is American history. Erasing it doesn’t make it disappear.”
From Plainfield, NAACP President Sharon Robinson-Briggs echoed those sentiments, calling the museum visit “educational and historic.” She added, “We hope it remains funded so others can continue to benefit from its message. It’s American history.”
The initiative is also supported by the Elizabeth chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). “The museum is a beacon of truth,” said chapter president Erica Blount. “Preserving it ensures future generations understand our shared heritage.”
Beyond the trip, the NAACP continues to push for broader educational reforms, including full enforcement of New Jersey’s Amistad Act, which mandates that Black history be integrated into K-12 education.
The Hillside Branch also runs an annual Black History Month essay contest for middle school students, reinforcing the Amistad law’s goals of historical awareness and inclusion.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP remains the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, advocating for justice and equity across sectors like education, healthcare, and criminal justice.