Waco, TX (FOX 44) — The Dewey Community Center has opened its mini Black History Museum to showcase the impact African-Americans have made in our nation and the world.

It’s a part of the centers effort to incorporate community engagement for Black History Month.

As you walk into the Dewey Community Center you can value and appreciate the accomplishments black trailblazers have made in our nation, the sports field, and right here in Waco.

“Black history really goes on, and it’s a light, it’s a culture, it’s a lifetime. It’s not something that we can just put into one month,” said museum visitor Angel Lenord.

Angel Lenord is a Waco native and says its a great experience getting to remember black leaders who paved the way.

“Even some of the Waco history is tucked away that they don’t want to necessarily bring to the forefront, but it’s true, and we should embrace the truth and move past it and let that make us stronger,” said Lenord.

Dewey Community Center staff say this museum is important to empower the next generation.

“It’s extremely important to make sure that we teach our youth about our past the leaders that represented the people and different athletes and local leaders that are here,” said Dewey Community Supervisor Jimmy Gutierrez.

The Dewey Community Center adds new people to its exhibit every year.

They kicked off the museum opening with a “Taste of Soul” where visitors enjoyed classic food made in the black community.

“It’s been great. It’s been fun. We had a great crowd come out today. We’re able to tour our displays and they were able to experience a small taste of soul today, so that was really fun,” said Gutierrez.

“I think that it gets better every year. They do a great job pulling out the information and showcasing it, I just think it just gets better and better,” said Lenord.

The museum is free to experience and will be open until the end of the month.

It’s hours Monday – Thursday are from 9 – 3 P.M. and 6 – 9 P.M.

It will be open 9 – 3 P.M. on Friday and Saturday.