Washington State
Governor's Arts & Heritage Luminary Awards
Honoring Achievement, Creativity, and Excellence
Contact:
Glenda Carino, Communications Manager
(360) 252 - 9980 | glenda.carino@arts.wa.gov
November 12, 2021

Governor's Arts & Heritage Spotlight Award announced
Delbert Richardson, "Unspoken Truths" founder and curator is recipient

The Washington State Arts Commission and Governor Jay Inslee are pleased to announce Delbert Richardson as the recipient of The Governor's Arts & Heritage Spotlight Award for 2021. Richardson is the Founder and Curator of the American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths.

This year, the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHA) distinguish and acknowledge arts and heritage organizations and cultural leaders who stood as shining lights for their communities during the pandemic.

Richardson’s work with the Museum has brought a renewed understanding of slavery in America, from its origins through Jim Crow and beyond. And he sheds a strong light on African American inventors, scientists, and cultural innovators throughout history.

Prior to the pandemic, Richardson had contracts to teach The Unspoken Truths curriculum in several Puget Sound schools. But he immediately became unemployed when COVID-19 hit in early 2020.

“Normally my work is done one school at a time,” Richardson said. “COVID closures allowed me to bring The Unspoken Truths online, and I was able to reach multiple schools and classrooms each day resulting in the ability to teach more students than ever before.”

In an unprecedented time when arts and cultural activities struggled under the stress of COVID-19, many artists, tradition bearers, and cultural institutions found innovative and impactful ways to serve their constituents and communities.

“Delbert’s work with his Traveling African American Museum was especially important during these chaotic times. Switching to a virtual platform, he was able to provide his very personal stories and histories on past and present inequities to thousands of more students,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “The light shone by Delbert stretches from our present far into the past – and forward to our future.”
The Governor’s Arts Awards, established in 1966, recognize and honor individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts and cultural development of Washington State.

The Governor’s Heritage Awards, established in 1989, recognize and honor individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to preserving traditions and cultural heritage in Washington State.