As the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art marks its 60th anniversary, it has announced a the appointment of seven new members to its advisory board.
The new board members include Nigeria's, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, who represents the nexus of technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. Agboola’s work with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payment technology company, has revolutionized how the continent connects with the world financially. Recognized globally by Time and Fortune for his leadership, Agboola’s expertise extends beyond fintech into a broader vision for Africa’s global narrative. His place on the board underscores the growing importance of technology in shaping and disseminating African art.
Similarly, Victor E. Williams, the former CEO of NBA Africa, brings his dual expertise in finance and sports to the table. Having expanded the NBA’s footprint across Africa, Williams has demonstrated how cultural exchange and business acumen can transform perceptions of the continent. His influence will likely inform strategies to extend the museum’s reach within Africa and its diaspora.
Adding to the African contingent is Pulane Tshabalala Kingston, a South African lawyer, entrepreneur, and social activist. As the founder of Mirai Rail Corporation, Kingston’s leadership spans industries and causes, from advancing infrastructure to promoting the arts. A patron of Art Basel and a member of Zeitz MOCAA’s global committee, Kingston’s art-world credentials are formidable. Her advocacy for gender equity and social justice aligns with the museum’s mission to tell inclusive stories through its collections and programs.
A Global Network of Expertise
The board’s other new members add a wealth of expertise from diverse fields. Emmanuel Akyeampong, a Ghanaian historian and professor at Harvard University, is renowned for his scholarship on African history and sustainability. His academic leadership and deep ties to African intellectual circles promise to bridge the gap between scholarship and the museum’s public-facing initiatives.
Meanwhile, American appointees Dr. Anita Blanchard, Sengal Selassie, and Donna Sims Wilson bring exceptional insights from their respective domains of medicine, investment, and finance. Dr. Blanchard, a retired professor of obstetrics and gynecology, has a legacy of increasing diversity in medical education. Selassie and Wilson, both titans of finance, bring decades of expertise in capital management, fostering sustainable investments, and developing infrastructure projects in Africa. Their strategic input will enhance the museum’s capacity to secure resources for ambitious projects and expand its global footprint.
The museum’s advisory board continues to benefit from a strong foundation of experienced members, including Nigerian lawyer Gbenga Oyebode, a co-founder of one of Africa’s leading law firms, and Dr. Amelia T. Quist-Ogunlesi, a retired optometrist with a commitment to community engagement. This combination of seasoned voices and fresh perspectives ensures that the museum remains a dynamic institution.
A Broader Vision for African Art
Museum Director John K. Lapiana hailed the appointments as a milestone, noting their alignment with the museum’s celebratory 60th anniversary theme. “Our museum will benefit immeasurably from their perspectives and insight,” Lapiana said. Board Chair Teresa H. Clarke, a steadfast advocate for African art and editor of Africa.com, added: “They bring deep knowledge and expertise to the museum, along From its modest beginnings in 1964 as a private educational initiative to its current state to the 13,000 artworks it contains, the museum has championed the diversity of African artistic expression. This anniversary year is as much about celebrating the past as it is about envisioning the future.
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