Western States Black Research and Educational Center

OUR GOAL

Future Home of the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum

To raise the visual profile of the facility Kennard Design Group has envisioned the

addition of color and the use of natural light in the main public room and the public library

The south facing entrance

9' x 5' shadow boxes will feature reproductions of posters, photographs and other items from the collection along with program announcements and videos on Overland Avenue

MCLM: A world-class research library and education center; a repository for endangered collections; a museum for contemporary art and media center for film and live performances

The time has come for Southern California to have a world-class research library, museum, repository and media-based cultural institution that stands as an internatonal tribute to the intelligence, creativity and nobility of Americans of African descent.

World-class cultural centers have a single function: to share collections and implement programs and activities that attract the world. The Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum will serve as a beacon of enlightenment and entertainment as it does the following:

Serves as a research-based think tank that addresses public policy issues facing the global black community.
Facilitates scholarship
Entertains and delights
Promotes pride, dignity and greater intercultural understanding.

The creation of a world-class research-based institution in Los Angeles dedicated to Americans of African descent is the next rung on the Civil Rights Ladder.

It is a way in which Americans can begin to heal from the wounds of slavery and all that came in its aftermath. MCLM has proudly taken a leadership role in realizing this most important step toward cultural integrity.

It’s a big job; we cannot do it alone, and we’re not supposed to. Your financial, spiritual and physical support and participation are vital.

MCLM is looking toward the future. Creating a grand, spectacular world-class, research-based cultural center in the media capital is an important and worthwhile endeavor. To make this happen, we must link hands as we did when we marched and sang, “We Shall Overcome.” The Time Has Come.