Honoring the Legacy of Jazz Music in Oklahoma City, OK
The National African-American Jazz Legacy Museum (NAAJLM) invites everyone to embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of jazz history, education, and community engagement. Our museum preserves and promotes the profound impact of African-American jazz through various products and services.
The National African American Jazz Legacy Museum (NAAJLM) was founded on March 15, 2016, with a focus on preserving the rich legacy of African American contributions to music, specifically jazz. The museum aims to educate, promote, and celebrate the history of jazz through exhibitions, workshops, and community outreach.
From immersive exhibits and educational programs to community outreach initiatives, we are committed to enduring influence on culture and society, as well as honoring the legacy of jazz in Oklahoma City, OK. Our cultural institution is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American jazz music.
Mission & Vision Statement
Our mission is to provide a space for educating and preserving African American musical traditions, emphasizing jazz as a distinctly American art form. The museum highlights the historical significance of jazz from the early roots in Africa to its modern-day expressions, bridging cultural gaps and inspiring future generations.
Historian:
Art T. Burton, historian of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, is also a key figure at NAAJLM.
Ownership:
The Oklahoma Black Museum and Performing Arts Center (OBMAPAC) proudly owns NAAJLM.
Founder:
Established in 2016 by Rosetta Funches, the African–American Jazz Legacy Museum continues to honor the legacy of jazz pioneers.
Founder:
Established in 2016 by Rosetta Funches, the African–American Jazz Legacy Museum continues to honor the legacy of jazz pioneers.
Rosetta Funches
Founder of the Oklahoma Black Museum and Performing Arts Center (OBMAPAC), Oklahoma City, OK.
Dr. Ron V. Myers
Founder of the National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters and National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.
Damon Batiste
Cultural Ambassador and Founder of the New Orleans South African Connection (NOSACONN), New Orleans, LA.
Lloyd Lazar
Founder of the Oklahoma Black Museum and Performing Arts Center (OBMAPAC), Oklahoma City, OK.
Michael Paul Rogalin
Muriel Alugas
Larry Birden
Our Mission
As part of our mission to become a pivotal cultural resource in Oklahoma City and beyond, we strive to:
- Research jazz history and its cultural impact.
- Provide music instruction through educational programs and workshops.
- Offer resources and learning opportunities about African-American art influenced by jazz.
- Engage the community through events, exhibitions, and collaborations.
- Host live jazz performances and events.
- Showcase jazz artifacts, recordings, and exhibitions across the United States.
Discover Jazz Music Today
Additionally, our team includes distinguished radio hosts like Von Coulter, who brings jazz to audiences through various platforms. Join us in exploring the vibrant world of African–American jazz music and its profound influence on our cultural heritage.