Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore is a professional with over 30 years of museum experience. She has served as a curator, educator, administrator and museum planner. Ms. Moore is the current president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit, M.I.), the largest museum of its kind in the nation. Prior to assuming her current post, she served as executive director of the American Jazz Museum and the Gem Theater located in the 18th & Vine Historic District (Kansas City, M.O.).

Ms. Moore served as founding Executive Director of the National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis, T.N.). In that capacity, Ms. Moore oversaw the construction and opening of the museum located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Prior to Memphis, Ms. Moore spent several years planning and subsequently opening the National African American Museum and Cultural Center (Wilberforce, OH). As a senior member of the planning team, she was pivotal in developing a strategy and concept for building a nationally donated collection.

Ms. Moore began her career with the Ohio Historical Society, where she served as the first African American curator. She also served as director of the Kuumba Na Nia Dance and Theatre Company.

Ms. Moore has served on numerous boards and committees, including:

President, The African American Museums Association
Board Member, The African American Museums Association
Board Member, The American Association of State and Local History

Ms. Moore is currently a member of the following boards:

Board of Directors, American Association of Museums
Board of Directors, University Cultural Center Association
Board of Directors, Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan
Member, Michigan Freedom Trail Commission

Ms. Moore is the proud parent of one adult daughter, Shalewa Moore.