When I recently stepped into the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center in Redwood City, I was moved by how alive and comprehensive the exhibits are. The museum is not a relic—it’s a space for learning, reflection, and connection. Every room tells a story; every artifact points to the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans.
This institution is not simply a dream come true. It is the result of decades of persistence and vision from its founder, Carolyn Hoskins. Last year, she and her team secured $2 million in state funding, championed by State Sen. Josh Becker, to establish a permanent footprint after years of operating as a pop-ups and mobile exhibits. The funding has enabled the museum to transition into a continuously active space, expanding programming, hosting school tours, and inviting more of the public to engage.
Carolyn describes her mission plainly, “The whole point is the education… I’m here to tell my story about my history, which is so rich, and to let people know that African Americans have contributed so much to this great country.”
Walking through the museum, I saw how far that mission reaches. The exhibits go well beyond iconic civil rights figures — you’ll find sections on Black inventors, space pioneers, music legends, political trailblazers, and cultural innovators. These are stories often missing from conventional history books…