Honoring Legacy, Building a Sustainable Future Celebrating 60 Years of History, Culture, and Environmental Stewardship at The Wright
September 1, 2025 (Detroit, MI) - For over six decades, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has stood as a pillar of cultural preservation, education, and social justice. As we reflect on our 60-year legacy, we also look ahead — driven by a renewed commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Our vision for the future recognizes that preserving history must also include preserving the planet. As a leading cultural institution, we understand the urgency of climate action and the need to model sustainable practices within our community. That's why our ongoing sustainability efforts focus on measurable impact across four key areas: stormwater management, emissions reduction, air quality improvement, and waste diversion.
Join us for a groundbreaking Green Museum Town Hall focused on how cultural institutions can lead in the fight against climate change—by rethinking the way we manage stormwater, reduce emissions, improve air quality, and minimize waste, while also protecting and celebrating African American heritage. Hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, this event brings together museum professionals, sustainability leaders, students, and community advocates for an evening of visioning, learning, and collective action.
“The Wright is dedicated to climate justice and is leading the vanguard of 21st-century museums in its effort to make the invisible work of sustainability visible, so that everyone can see that they have a stake in—and can contribute to—environmental preservation,” said Leslie Tom, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Wright Museum.
The Wright hosts several ongoing sustainability initiatives that focus on three core impact areas: water, energy, and waste and the museum is actively engaged in advancing sustainability through ongoing initiatives across three core impact areas: water, energy, and waste. These efforts reflect the museum’s broader mission to serve as a responsible steward of community, culture, and the environment.
What Participants Can Expect
As part of this initiative, visitors and community members will have the opportunity to:
- Explore future design concepts that reflect sustainable building strategies and environmental equity.
- Learn how intentional design connects people and place—through the principles of placemaking, cultural heritage, and environmental resilience.
- Share their own ideas and input, helping shape our approach to green infrastructure, energy use, and sustainable campus development.
Event Details
Wright Community Room – Charles H. Wright Museum
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Program: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
In-person attendance is limited to 120 guests.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.thewright.org/green-museum-town-hall
Location
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
Looking Forward
As we enter the next chapter in our history, sustainability will remain a central pillar of our mission. We believe that protecting our environment is deeply connected to the cultural preservation and social equity we champion every day. By integrating sustainability into our infrastructure, programming, and community partnerships, we are not only honoring the past — we are safeguarding the future.
About The Wright Museum
Founded in 1965 and located in the heart of Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is one of the nation’s leading institutions dedicated to the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. Home to more than 35,000 artifacts and archival materials, the museum also presents over 300 public programs and events each year. Its signature exhibition, And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture, is a 22,000-square-foot immersive experience tracing the powerful stories of African Americans from ancient Africa to the present.
Media Contacts
Char Yates
Director of Media Relations
cyates@thewright.org
313.494.5839
Kelly Miner
Marketing & Communications Manager
kminer@thewright.org
313.494.5865
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