Community leaders in the arts and history sectors who are championing the campaign to ensure The Griot’s growth and sustainable future.

In collaboration with Washington University Professor Adrienne Davis, Kemper Museum Academic Programs Coordinator Rochelle Caruthers, and social impact designer, De Nichols, The Griot Museum of Black History seeks to initiate Growing Griot, a community-centered design and learning framework that investigates the feasibility of reimagining its purpose, redeveloping its building and grounds, and deepening its social power in contemporary St. Louis. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted, long-term vision that builds upon previously initiated and ongoing internal capacity-building activities.  Its primary goals include three scopes of work: community engagement, Team Griot, and facility planning. 

The Griot Museum of Black History is pleased to welcome to the Griot team, Ousmane Malik Gaye, our Growing Griot Fellow (GGF).  Ousmane was selected from a pool of ten highly-qualified candidates who responded to a national search. As part of his Fellowship, Ousmane will receive one-on-one training from members of the David Adjaye team and local mentoring and support from the conservation department at The St. Louis Art Museum. 

Ousmane, a recent graduate of the Sam Fox School at Washington University, started work on February 8. As the Growing Griot Fellow, he is a integral member of the Griot's capacity-building effort.  His primary focus is the stewardship, conservation and programming of Aaase III, (the public art installation currently be installed at The Griot) other public art initiatives, and related community engagement activities. The Growing Griot Fellowship was created in partnership with Counterpublic 23 and the St. Louis Art Museum. It is supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  

Asaase III, designed by Ghanaian architect/designer, Sir David Adjaye, is the first public art installation created by the world renown designer.  It is also the first public art installation for the Museum.

Lois Conley, Founder and Executive Director of the Griot Museum of Black History says she is happy to have Ousmane on board to assist the Museum as it continues to implement its vision for the next 25 years. That vision includes the Adjaye work and our Black Herstory public art installation that will serve as anchors to help develop the Griot Campus. Black Herstory received support in 2021 from the Monument Lab/Regeneration Project funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.