SEATTLE.- The Qwest Foundation today announced its support of the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) with a $20,000 contribution. The grant will be used to support NAAM’s mission of connecting students with the traditions and innovations in art, education, history and culture of African-Americans in the Pacific Northwest through the Educational Traveling Trunks Program. The trunks will be made available to educators as a component to their visits to the museum and will contain grade-appropriate curriculum guides and lesson plans complete with photographs and activities.

“In just the short time that the Northwest African American Museum has been open, it has already established itself as an exceptional gift to the community,” said Kirk Nelson, Qwest president for Washington. “Qwest is honored to support the museum’s educational efforts as it works to introduce students to the rich history, art and culture of African-Americans in the Pacific Northwest.”

Three trunks will be geared toward third- through fifth-grade students; three toward sixth- through eighth-grade students; and four toward ninth- through 12th-grade students.

“Thanks to the support of the Qwest Foundation, we will be able to invest in the people of our community by giving students the exciting opportunity to learn through the exploration of objects and documents," said Barbara Earl Thomas, Northwest African American Museum acting director. "These educational trunks will be wonderful ways to help promote cultural awareness and ownership among African American youth."

The Qwest Foundation will present the $20,000 check to museum staff today at 11:30 a.m.