Tell the story of African Americans in the Utah Territory and Mountain West
Welcome to Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation
A place where history comes alive, stories are shared, and connections are made. Our mission is clear: to uncover the tapestry of African-American history in Utah and the Mountain West. Join us on this exciting journey of discovery.
Exploring the Past
Imagine our working groups as explorers on a mission to uncover historical treasures. Armed with research tools, they navigate archives, documents, photographs, and records to reveal hidden gems. These treasures become the basis of a narrative that comes to life through lectures, exhibitions, and publications, sparking conversations.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our strength lies in our teams and partnerships that span multiple organizations and government agencies. These teams are the driving force behind Sema Hadithi. They build connections, write proposals, and secure funding to support our daily operations, research, and sharing efforts.
Join Us
As you explore our evolving story, join us in becoming a part of Sema Hadithi. Whether you sign up for museum access, engage with our interactive website, or collaborate, you contribute to the history we're weaving together. Your presence, voice, and story matter.
Sema Hadithi – where unity emerges from historical truth, and the story of African American heritage in Utah finds its voice.
A Message from the Executive Director, Robert Burch
As we lengthen our stride into 2025, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who has supported the Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation. Your unwavering dedication to helping our mission lifts our spirits and buoys our efforts to research, preserve, and share the rich history of Black Americans in Utah.
This past year, we have made tremendous strides in bringing to light the stories of our ancestors, ensuring that we preserve the remembrances of their struggles and triumphs. This family of researchers and teachers will continue to work to ensure we never forget the stories of our ancestors. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on our achievements, expand our reach, and solidify the foundation for a future where our history is preserved and celebrated.
Despite the challenges posed by those who seek to suppress Black history, we stand firm in our commitment to tell the stories of our ancestors. While we remember and celebrate the strength and struggle of our ancestors, others would like to erase it. They believe that hiding the painful truth improves our great country's narrative. We resist the subtleties of manicured history and the potential troubles a false telling of our stories creates. In the late 1800s, African Americans in Utah celebrated Emancipation Day, refusing to let their family stories disappear in folklore and mythology. We continue that legacy today, working alongside our dedicated partners to share the truth of our collective past. We will do the work essential to bringing the voices of our families, their struggles, and their victories out of obscurity.
This year, we are implementing key administrative initiatives that will ensure the longevity of our organization, allowing us to extend our reach further than ever before. These efforts will strengthen our ability to serve the community and keep our history alive for generations to come.
We know that the struggle is real and that the prize is excellent. We know that we will continue to strive because of good people like you.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to an impactful 2025!