The Spady Museum in Delray offers year-round reminders of the richness of African-Americans, historically as well as from a contemporary perspective. From its annual Martin Luther King breakfast to its two month Juneteenth celebration, the museum takes seriously its duty to enlighten, educate and empower blacks via high quality exhibits and events that bring the community together.

To help fund the various offerings, the museum has launched its annual fundraising campaign and is asking the community for its support in order to reach its goal of obtaining $50,000 by Dec. 31.

“Donations from individuals support all of our programming, including our monthly ‘Ride and Remember Trolley Tour, which is very popular,” said Charlene Farrington, the museum’s director.

Spady’s Juneteenth event includes the traditional celebration in June, but adds a local aspect by beginning with recognition of Florida’s emancipation from slavery in May.The museum recognizes the increasing importance of educating black youth about their history. To that end, its “youth cultural empowerment program…educates our youth on the cultural heritage of the area, black history of Florida and where they fit into that narrative,” Farrington explained. To provide the community the opportunity to express itself regarding current topics, the museum facilitates a quarterly forum called ‘Delray Speaks.’

And to simply bring the community together for live music, food and a “good time,” Sharon Blake, the museum’s finance and development officer, said the museum offers Funk-Sway, “a social gathering place that happens in our backyard.”

The museum’s Black History and Black Heritage Exhibition is a year round program, with a “new exhibit that focuses on the large settlement population that came directly from the Bahamas between 1850 and 1900 opening during the 3rd week of January,” Farrington shared of the event that will include historic photographs of the Bahamas.

To thank the community for its support over the years, Spady is hosting a free holiday party on Dec. 12, “including food, music, gifts, laughter and fun,” said Farrington. And later in the month, the museum will partner with Zeta Phi Beta sorority to present a Kwanzaa celebration.

“We thank the community for their support, in helping us to collect, preserve and to share rich history of Palm Beach County, especially as it relates to African Americans, the African Diaspora,” she added.

To donate, mail a check or money order to Spady Museum, 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach, Fl., 33444. To donate online, go to spadymuseum.com.