History
The center is the vision of Monica O. Montgomery, MA, a curator and professor who, following the passing of her parents, Sandra Brannon Montgomery and Dr. Elvin Montgomery Jr., sought to create a sanctuary for the voices of the African diaspora. Both educators and historians, Sandra and Elvin's life's work laid the foundation for DiasporaDNA. They spent over 50 years collecting, preserving, and safeguarding a vast trove of cultural artifacts—over 5,000 items—including books, photos, ephemera, art, vinyl records, and more. These materials trace the legacies of Black, Caribbean, African, and diasporic communities worldwide, spanning from the mid-19th century to the present.
After his passing, his daughter, Monica O. Montgomery, stepped forward to carry this legacy, not as a duty but as a sacred offering. Through DiasporaDNA, she envisioned a space where memory would not just reside but thrive. A place where the stories of the Black & Global Majority diasporas would breathe, connecting past and present, creating bridges to futures we dare to imagine. DiasporaDNA exists to preserve these stories, to honor the legacy of the global majority, to reclaim the narratives that colonialism and oppression sought to erase.
Those Who Came Before Me
"My ancestors are my roadmap to my life. I am because they are. I venerate and honor the rich cultural and artistic legacy of the Montgomerys and say their names.”
~ Monica O. Montgomery
Rita Montgomery (Paternal Grandmother)
Educator, First Gen College Graduate, Home economics teacher, Culinary genius, Proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. and Philanthropist.
Alumni of Southern University
Elvin Montgomery Sr. (Paternal Grandfather)
Carpenter, Home Builder, Coach, Church Deacon, Mason and Philanthropist.
Alumni of Southern University
Harold Hilton Montgomery Sr. (Paternal Uncle)
Recreation Expert, Politically Connected, Balloon artist and proud member of Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.
Alumni of Southern University
Michael Brannon (Maternal Uncle)
Dr. Lorraine Brannon (Maternal Aunt)
Queen Elizabeth Washington Adams Brannon (Maternal Grandmother)
Samuel Brannon (Maternal Grandfather)
Octavia Thompson (Paternal Great Grandmother, Matriarch)
Sandra Brannon Montgomery (Mother)
Educator, Vice Principal, Artist, Photographer, Church Truatee & Servant Leader and proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Alumni of Howard University + Pratt Institute + Baruch College
Dr. Elvin Montgomery Jr. (Father)
Author, Collector Appraiser, Professor, Keynote Speaker, Psychologist, Genealogist and founder of The Montgomery Collection.
Alumni of Harvard University + Columbia University Teachers College.
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You're getting this message through your affiliation with Monica O. Montgomery MA who is a curator, community engager and consultant & Founding Executive Director of DiasporaDNA Story Center.