The Smithsonian Institution has announced that Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole will become director of the National Museum of African Art.
The former president of Bennett and Spelman Colleges is an anthoropogist (she studied with Paul Bohannan and Melville Herskovits), conducted fieldwork in Liberia and diaspora communities, and has been a highly-regarded university professor and administrator. Dr. Cole has been a Smithsonian scholarly advisor for two decades.
Congratulations to Dr. Cole, the Smithsonian Board, NMAA, American citizens (Dr. Cole’s new bosses), and those who value the beauty of African culture.
Hat Tip: Tracey at blackgivesback.
Image of the National Museum of African Art: Office of Motion Picture and TV Development
Tags: art, higher education, Johnnetta Cole, museums, Washington DC
NotionsCapital 
February 10, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Update:
Jacqueline Trescott, covering the story for the Washington Post, reminds us that for three years when Dr. Cole was president of Atlanta’s Spelman College, Dr. G. Wayne Clough (now Secretary of the Smithsonian) led Georgia Tech, a couple of miles away.
February 12, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Hi, I’m also on the DC Bloggers Meetup (new to area)! I haven’t gone to the Museum of African Art yet, but will soon. Nice work/good info on your blog!
EMMA
February 12, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Emma: Welcome to town.
I see from your blog you are a Cinema Enthusiast. Be sure to cross the National Mall and go to the National Gallery of Art. NGA has a strong film program, curated by the incomparable Margret Parsons.
The Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Gallery also has a free film series, but the auditorium is small, so shown up early (not bad advice for NGA, either).
See you at the meetup.