Delbert Richardson: Uncovering the Unspoken Truths Through Twenty Years of Storytelling

Guest host of “The Day With Trae” Alicia Crank recently sat down with award-winning storyteller Delbert Richardson to discuss the 20th anniversary of his national touring exhibit, the Unspoken Truths American History Traveling Museum. Richardson, a self-described "African born in America" with roots in Detroit and Seattle, has dedicated two decades to re-educating the public on Black history and excellence.

Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, Richardson said he was not exposed to Black history in primary or secondary school. Upon attending the University of Washington, he was first exposed to students who self-identified as "Black," a term he had previously been socialized to believe was negative. 

"I didn't know that I can choose how I want to be seen until I went to the University of Washington,” he said.

The museum itself grew out of Richardson's thirty-year hobby of collecting Black Americana and artifacts used to market white products. Today, Unspoken Truths uses authentic artifacts and storyboards to create a chronological timeline that connects modern disciplines like STEM back to Africa.

"We're in America and, for the most part, we've been socialized through the master narrative of American history which is a white narrative,” he said. “A lot of times we're not seen in those spaces unless we call it out."

Richardson said this historical connection is key for self-actualization. He encourages all museum visitors to see themselves in the global story of human achievement. 

"We all have a couple things in common," he said. "Rich culture, rich heritage, but also being oppressed here in America.”

Looking forward, Richardson remains concerned about declining literacy rates and the loss of traditional storytelling methods like cursive writing. He advocated for the celebration of Black history beyond a single month, particularly in light of Black History Month’s 100th anniversary.

The Unspoken Truths exhibit is currently on display at Seattle’s King Street Station, 303 S Jackson St Top floor, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 1st. 

Learn more about the Unspoken Truths American History Traveling Museum here. 

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