As we welcome spring, I often think of my dear friend, LuJuana Hood. As we approach the sixth year of her passing, I reflect on what a wonderful friend she was.
LuJuana Hood was the founding director of the Pan-African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA), based in Springfield, Massachusetts. When I think of the unsung heroes of our communities, I would be remiss not to put her at the top of the list. LuJuana was a woman who led with grace, resilience and dedication—never seeking the spotlight, yet making monumental contributions to Western Mass, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, UMass, New York, and her beloved Africa. Her impact extended beyond the communities she served.
While we celebrate the legacies of great women leaders throughout history, let’s also recognize how LuJuana shaped the future of everyone who crossed her path. Her tireless efforts to preserve and promote African American history through PAHMUSA left an indelible mark. Her commitment to keeping the past alive for future generations ensured that Black History would never be forgotten. Sam Bradley, Regine Jackson, and the PAHMUSA Board of Directors are now carrying on her mission, keeping her legacy alive.
Not only during Women’s History Month should we honor the contributions of women like LuJuana—but every month—women who often fought alone, without recognition, to preserve legacies have shaped our understanding of the world. The work of women like her is a continuation of the long struggle for recognition and empowerment, from the suffragists of the early 20th century to today’s civil rights activists and community leaders.
LuJuana’s contributions should not be remembered only in March. Even in death, she continues to shape the world around us. I can still hear her voice as she welcomed a group of Springfield schoolchildren, saying: “Black history did not begin with slavery. Our history began on the shores of Africa, where we were kings and queens, rulers of the land.”
There can never be another LuJuana Hood, but like so many other women, her legacy will continue to shape the world around us. The impact she had on so many lives cannot be overstated. We were fortunate to have had her in our midst, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
Today, PAHMUSA continues to uphold the vision and high standards that LuJuana Hood set, not only for the museum but for the many people who actively engage with its mission.
This year, the museum will host its annual gala on May 10 at the Marriott in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. Attending the event is a chance to honor Hood’s legacy and support the museum’s ongoing work in preserving and sharing our African history. Purchasing a ticket is more than just attending a gathering; it is an investment in the stories, education, and cultural preservation that PAHMUSA continues to champion. ■