Our Genetic Legacy

We're thrilled to announce that the We The People Museum has been officially welcomed into the San Diego Museum Council —a milestone that underscores our dedication to preserving diverse narratives and championing the truths of our past. As we conclude Black History Month, our mission takes on even greater urgency. In an era where history is increasingly at risk of being censored, we stand firm in our commitment to amplify underrepresented voices and ensure that every story is heard. This council membership not only recognizes our work but also opens doors to new collaborations and conversations with fellow museum professionals dedicated to excellence, innovation, and cultural integrity. Thank you to our supporters, partners, and the passionate team at We The People Museum for making this achievement possible. Together, we continue to advocate for transparency, education, and the unabridged truth of our shared history. A special thank you goes out to our museum architects: Kevin Sherrod of Gensler and faculty at University of Southern California, Joshua A. Foster of JAF Creative Solutions (JAF), Demar Matthews of OffTOP Design; and Osarodion Victory Igbinobaro, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate of AERO AI who engineered the platform to get the museum online. Your expertise and passion have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. ?? https://lnkd.in/gr7MykbF #OurGeneticLegacy #WeThePeopleMuseum #VirtualMuseum #SanDiegoMuseumCouncil #BlackHistoryMonth #CulturalHeritage #HistoryMatters #MuseumInnovation

We’re launching an exciting marine archaeology program for young explorers aged 14 to 24! ?? As part of our ongoing growth, we’re expanding our training programs to include marine archaeology with a focus on: ?? Mapping and preserving submerged cultural heritage sites. ?? Documenting waterways that played significant roles in the African Diaspora and Indigenous histories. ?? Engaging local communities in these preservation efforts. ?? Our Upcoming Mapping Missions Include Destinations Like: ???? Brazil – Exploring Afro-Brazilian heritage. ???? Mozambique – Delving into coastal historical connections. ???? Senegal – Focusing on Gorée Island and other significant maritime heritage sites. ???? Africatown, Alabama – Researching the Clotilda’s legacy and the Underground Railroad from AL to Canada. ???? Jamaica, ???? Louisiana, and Virginia – Researching waterways associated with Maroon communities. ?? California – Investigating Indigenous peoples' waterways. ?? Who Can Join? Youth aged 14 to 24 with a passion for history, technology, or adventure. No prior experience necessary – we’ll provide everything you need! ?? Join Our Zoom Info Sessions to learn how YOU can: ? Uncover and preserve underwater cultural heritage. ? Train to use cutting-edge underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles). ? Start your journey from learning to swim to becoming a certified scuba diver – no experience required! ?? Reserve Your Spot Today! ?? https://lnkd.in/gaZQ3vB6 ?? Don’t miss this chance to make waves and uncover hidden treasures beneath the sea. Dive into history with us! ?? #OurGeneticLegacy #MarineArchaeology #UnderwaterExploration #DiveIntoHistory #YouthOpportunities #AfricanDiaspora #IndigenousHistory #ROVTraining #LearnToScubaDive #HistoricPreservation

?? Celebrate Black History Month at the Nigeria Showcase! ?? This Black History Month, join us in honoring the profound connections between African heritage and global Black history with two exciting Nigeria Showcase events: ?? Date: February 8, 2025 ? Time: 1:00 PM ?? Location: Elementary Institute of Science, 608 51st St., San Diego, CA 92114 ?? RSVP: https://bit.ly/NIGERIA_EIS ?? Date: February 22, 2025 ? Time: 3:00 PM ?? Location: Islah Academy, 2900 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043 ?? RSVP: https://bit.ly/Nigeria_LA Experience the transformative work of the DRONe Project and the We The People Ambassador Program, bridging technology, education, and cultural heritage. Highlights include: ? A first look at new exhibits in progress ? Meet the Hersorians of the Nigeria cohort ? The impact of our Makoko Project, bringing computer literacy and virtual museum experiences to schools in Nigeria ? BIPOC teen drone pilots sharing their journey and innovative contributions to virtual museum exhibits ? Engaging discussions connecting precolonial Nigerian history to contemporary Black excellence and innovation Black History Month is about celebrating the past while empowering the future. Don’t miss this chance to explore how heritage, technology, and education are shaping the next generation of global leaders! ?? RSVP today to secure your spot at either event. ?? For more information or to RSVP, contact [email protected]. Let’s come together to honor history, inspire innovation, and build a brighter future this Black History Month! #BlackHistoryMonth #Nigeria #CulturalHeritage #STEAMEducation #BIPOCInnovation #WeThePeopleAmbassadors #VirtualMuseum #SanDiego #LosAngeles

?? Calling All Aspiring Drone Pilots! ?? Are you ready to take your future to new heights? Join our Zoom Info Sessions to learn how to work with Our Genetic Legacy and become part of the workforce of tomorrow as an FAA-certified drone pilot! ?? ????????????Who Can Join? Boys and girls aged 14-24 No prior experience needed – just a passion for learning and exploring! ?? What You'll Learn: How to earn your FAA Drone Pilot Certification Exciting internship opportunities in fields like: ?? Historic Preservation: Researching, Mapping, Surveying, and 3D Modeling ?? Marine Archeology ?? Construction ?? First Responder Training ?? Photography and Videography ?? Real Estate Applications International travel experiences that combine drone technology with cultural exploration Upcoming hands-on programs designed to prepare you for careers in rapidly growing industries ?? For Organizations and Corporations: Join us in training the workforce of tomorrow! OGL offers contracted training programs tailored to your team's needs, equipping them with cutting-edge skills in drone technology. From construction to emergency response, we help businesses stay ahead by investing in their workforce. ?? Zoom Info Session Dates: ?? February 2, 2025, 4:00 PM PST ?? February 15, 2025, 9:00 AM PST ?? February 24, 2025, 6:30 PM PST ? Take the first step toward an extraordinary journey! ?? Whether you're interested in technology, storytelling, mapping, or STEAM education, our program has something for you. ?? Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gaZQ3vB6 Don’t miss out—your future takes flight here! ???? #DronePilot #STEAMeducation #HistoricPreservation #MarineArcheology #Photography #FirstResponder #InternationalTravel #YouthEmpowerment #WorkforceDevelopment #FAA #CertifiedDronePilot

Empowering Makoko’s Teachers and Students for a Brighter Future! ?? Through our year-long We The People Ambassador Program, teachers from 17 community-started schools in Makoko are receiving vital computer literacy training to expand opportunities for their students. This initiative equips educators with essential skills and access to the We The People Museum as an educational resource, enabling them to integrate technology into their classrooms and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Students also engaged in hands-on exposure to STEAM through activities like drone soccer. These dynamic experiences not only teach technical skills but also spark curiosity, creativity, and a passion for innovation, ensuring that Makoko’s youth are prepared to thrive in a technology-driven world. Incorporating a bit of cultural exchange, we brought an American tradition to the event—a pizza party! For many of the students, this was their first time experiencing pizza, adding an unforgettable layer of joy to an already transformative day. This program doesn’t just impact Makoko—it’s also a learning opportunity for the future workforce of San Diego. By teaching our participants how to use drones as tools for global good, we’re fostering a generation that understands the power of technology to drive positive change worldwide. From supporting historic preservation in Gberefu to empowering communities across the globe, these young leaders are building a brighter, more connected future for all. ?? By providing teachers and students with cutting-edge tools, training, and unique experiences, we’re unlocking new possibilities for communities where formal education is limited. Together, we’re proving that education can be a catalyst for change, empowering youth to lead and transform their world. This is just the beginning—together, we’re building a brighter future for Makoko and beyond! Thank you to The Conrad Prebys Foundation for investing in our youth workforce initiative, and to our incredible community partners— San Diego Futures Foundation, Elementary Institute of Science, RISE San Diego, DETOUR Empowers, Black Tech Link, and Eno Umoh of Global Air U —for helping make the computer literacy program for Makoko schools a reality. Your support is transforming lives and empowering the next generation! A heartfelt THANK YOU to Seun Apara of Samap Travels & Tours LTD for their incredible boots-on-the-ground project management. Your dedication to sharing our vision with Makoko and coordinating the logistics has been invaluable in making this initiative a success! Contact [email protected] to learn more about this amazing initiative. #EmpowerMakoko #STEAMeducation #WeThePeopleMuseum #DroneSoccer #ComputerLiteracy #EducationForAll #GlobalGood #OurGeneticLegacy #PrebysFutures

Thank you to the The City of San Diego Economic Development Department for spotlighting our work in the December newsletter. Scroll to page 5. ?? https://lnkd.in/g_MHWdQm #OurGeneticLegacy #SanDiego #nonprofit #CommunitySpotlight

Capturing Reality for the win! This is a 3D model of The Arc of Turning to Unknown Destinations at the Point of No Return on Gberefu Island in Badagry, Nigeria. This beach was significant in the trafficking of countless numbers of enslaved Africans. The arc was built to inspire tourism and pay homage to the enslaved. Unfortunately, time and poor execution have left the monument in shambles. We will revitalize this space virtually in the We The People Museum to house the exhibits the Herstorians have been working on. ?? #OurGeneticLegacy #DRONeProject #3Dmodel #VirtualTourism #VirtualMuseum #DronesForGood #Nigeria

I am excited to share this amazing recap video edited by Taiwo Aina with footage she and Ololade Lawal captured of our recent mapping event in Lagos, Nigeria. ???? The video captures the joy and purpose of the trip to integrate the voices of Black and brown youth into historical narratives by working as Digital Historic Preservationists and elevate our virtual We The People Museum. The exhibits these young ladies are working on will debut in 2025. ?? The truth of the statement, “it takes a village” is something we know firsthand. ?? Celebrating the Herstorians for taking the leap of faith and traveling over 7,000 miles to Nigeria. And Olubukola Dosumu and the girls of Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School for joining us. ???? Special thanks to The Conrad Prebys Foundation, San Diego Foundation, and our individual donors for their financial support. Gratitude to Osarodion Victory Igbinobaro, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate of AERO AI for coming to Nigeria from Las Vegas to assist with data collection. Stay tuned for the 3D models. Shout out to San Diego Futures Foundation, Elementary Institute of Science, RISE San Diego, DETOUR Empowers, and Black Tech Link for being amazing community partners in making the computer literacy program for Makoko schools possible. ?? San Diego Housing Commission and MAAC provided direct support to our participants to get them travel ready. ?? Eno Umoh of Global Air U and Ime Umoh were invaluable supporters and drone suppliers in country. ?? Last but not least, without the boots on the ground project management of Seun Apara and Samap Travels, this mapping event would not have been possible. Thank you for fulfilling every request and exceeding all expectations. #OurGeneticLegacy?#DRONeProject?#PrebysFutures #WorkforceDevelopment?#DronesForGood?#VirtualMuseum?#SanDiego?#Lagos?#Nigeria

In preparation for our upcoming mapping event in Lagos, I recently visited Makoko. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived, but I came away feeling a deep responsibility to help. And that’s how babies are born. We are pleased to introduce the We The People Museum Ambassador program. ?? For many of us, access to computers and the internet is second nature. But in Makoko, the reality is far different. Many children have little to no access to schooling, and even those who do often don’t advance beyond the 6th grade. That’s why we’re launching a year-long program that will bring laptops and computer training directly into the schools of Makoko, giving students the skills to access and use our We The People Museum as a learning tool. This first beta phase will serve 16 schools, impacting over 3,000 students. ?? WE NEED YOUR HELP. ?? We have just three days to secure essential supplies to take with us next Thursday. Please consider purchasing items from our Amazon wishlist or donating to help us cover costs for modems and internet service. Corporate and foundation support is invaluable, but this is an immediate need, and I know that with your help, we can meet it. I’m counting on our community to come together—let’s make this happen for Makoko’s children! ?? Every purchase makes a difference. ???????? ???? Amazon Wish List - https://lnkd.in/g72Hf2FP ???? Donate towards modems/internet - https://lnkd.in/gky2eU_K Thank you for being a part of this mission. Together, we’re giving these students the tools they need to build a brighter future. #OurGeneticLegacy #Makoko #WeThePeopleMuseum #EducationForAll #EmpowerMakoko

Lagos loading. For the past two months, these five female drone pilots have been preparing for our mapping mission to Nigeria. On November 21, we'll officially be Lagos-bound.?????? The Herstorians will be mapping the Point of No Return on Gberefu Island. As part of the project, we will create a virtual reconstruction of the dilapidated monument to house our new exhibits. The next set of exhibits is going to be next level! If you haven't already visited our virtual We The People Museum...do so today! https://bit.ly/WTPMuseum In addition to flight training at the?Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation we have been WORKING! We visited San Diego Air & Space Museum, Museum of Us, The San Diego Museum of Art, @timken museum, ?Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego History Center thanks to passes from the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership. To supplement our online research, we’ve spent time at the Central?San Diego Public Library. Thank you to?The Conrad Prebys Foundation?and?Access, Inc.?for supporting these young ladies as part of the future workforce! We need more supporters like you!! ???? Our flight crew consists of three participants from our training sponsored by?San Diego Housing Commission?and MAAC plus one graduate of Girls Take Flight with our partner?Elementary Institute of Science. ?? It's not too late to be a sponsor. Please contact [email protected] to learn how you can support this innovative approach to historical truth-telling and workforce development. #OurGeneticLegacy?#DRONeProject?#PrebysFutures #WorkforceDevelopment?#DronesForGood?#VirtualMuseum?#SanDiego?#BalboaPark?#Lagos?#Nigeria