What We Need

The London Nelson Legacy Initiative has the potential for widereaching impact within and beyond the Santa Cruz community. To accomplish our project goals, we require robust funding and a broad-based coalition of support.

Currently, Luna HighJohn-Bey receives a nominal salary but otherwise donates her time, and the same is true of co-researcher Gabrielle Middlebrooks. There is an immediate need to compensate these individuals for their time, as well as to bring the research project manager on board, enabling Luna to concentrate on research efforts. Last, we would like to engage our documentary filmmaker to begin compiling footage of this community-led project as soon as possible, so that we do not miss the powerful historical moment taking place right now.

Below are our estimated costs for each of the project phases:

Phase 1: Research & Synthesize

$115,000 estimated investment Includes salaries and fees for the 4-person research team, project management, travel expenses, software and systems access, website development, and initial documentary film production.

Phase II: Create & Commemorate

$159,000 estimated investment Includes salaries and fees for the lead researcher, project manager, and administrative assistant; capital project costs for the design and construction of the monument and interpretive sign; preservation costs for repairing and placing new headstones; new and updated exhibitions; final documentary film production; and public ceremony/ celebration in Evergreen Cemetery.

Phase III: Engage & Educate

$101,000 estimated investment Includes salaries and fees for the lead researcher, project manager, and administrative assistant for curriculum development and to manage this project phase; costs for the historical landmarks signage and audio tour; and two community murals.

A detailed project budget is available upon request.

We hope you are as inspired by this project as we are, and that you will consider coming on board as a partner to support one or more project components. Together we can make strides toward social justice, to the benefit of all.

“This initiative is important to the MAH because we value historical truth and this research helps to bring hidden stories to light and create a more inclusive community.” —Robb Woulfe, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History