NeFesha Ruth Yisra'el

At the beginning of the summer of 2022, Gregory Melancon, the AAHCM Board Chair at the time, had a meet-up called a "chat with the chair." I had a friend in attendance by the name of Henry EllardJr.,andafterthatmeeting,heinformedmethathewouldbeworkingonpaintingthewallsof the gallery space in the museum to prepare for Juneteenth. I decided to join him in this work. I entered the museum for the first time in June of 2022. I had lived in Fresno for three and a half years but had yet to interact with the museum. I had been developing community gardens with ALTAFresnoandRoyalRoots.Iinvestedmytimeinagriculture,farming,communitydevelopment, and biblical studies. Still, I knew it was time to return to the arts and cultural development in a meaningfulway.

I was hungry for a sense of community and a culturally specific institution I could call home. You see, I am a mosaic artist. I take broken shards and fragmented pieces and create masterpieces. When I first began making mosaics, I felt like the Most High was metaphorically speaking to me, telling me that He would take my brokenness and create a masterpiece that would point the world backtohim.Sincethen,IhaveseenHislightshineinthedarkness.

I spent the summer of 2022 exploring the museum. I had become a member of The Links Incorporated, and it felt ordained when I stepped into The Links Library and the Board room that honors the Links. Each time I walk through the museum, I acknowledge the work done within our communityandthosethatblazedthetrailIwalkupontoday.Igivethanks.

Duringthesummerof2022,GregoryMelanconbecameamentorandfriendofmine.Heshowedme the ropes and worked to get me in the place and position I am in today. Gregory brought me joy, andIwassohopefulaboutthefutureofthemuseum.Iwillforeverbethankfultohimforseeingme and making it possible for me to stand before you all today as the Executive Director of the African American Museum. I remember when I came before the board to speak about the possibility of becoming the E.D. I was more excited than nervous. Thank you to our Board of Directors for seeing andchoosingmetostandinthisposition.

I was born for this role and am ready to fulfill my purpose boldly and fearlessly. When God places youinaposition,thereisnothingtofear.EverythingthatIdonotknow,Iwilllearn.Everythingthat I can not do, someone will come to support my efforts. Whenever I need assistance, divine assistancewillappear.AndwheneverIfeeldoubt,Irememberthedreamplacedinmyheart.Lifeis all about hope and possibility. Therefore, we must continue to answer the question, "Are we ready totrulybethechangewewishtoseeintheworld?"

IknowIamready.Iwanttobethatchange.WillyouwalkwithmeintoaBrandNewDayofchange? Alonewegofast.Togetherwegofar.

-NeFesha