Black History in good hands with Emma Mae

By: Rachel Huggins/Staff Writer

Posted: 6/29/08

When Sandra Truesdale worked as a cosmetologist for James Brown and Ray Charles' Raylettes in the 1960s, she collected numerous photos and historical documents of musicians from her travels. But it wasn't until an encounter in the late 1980s that led her to become a change agent for Black music.

One night, Truesdale awoke to the Isley Brothers crooning "Shout" through the television speakers. Once her eyes focused she was shocked to see young white kids lip syncing and performing the Isley Brothers' tune. Truesdale watched as songs by The Spaniels, The Four Tops and The Manhattans followed with the kids on the show hand dancing and twisting.

Truesdale's greatest concerns was that future generations would see reruns of the dance show and believe that it was original work being performed by original artists. The innovators would be forgotten.

The next morning Truesdale was up brainstorming for ways to educate residents and visitors to the District about Black contributions to music fashion and art.

Truesdale raided her attic, dusting off photos and other artifacts she had collected during her travels and in 1995, Truesdale opened the Emma Mae Gallery. Emma Mae was an entrepreneur in the District who owned real estate and beauty salons. Not only was she a true art aficionado, but she also was Sandra Truesdale's mother.

In Emma Mae's memory, the gallery traces the history of Black musicians through photos, showcases local artwork, and highlights critical moments from the civil rights struggle of the 1950's.

For 12 years, Truesdale operated the gallery from her home in the Petworth neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. She hosted First Saturday's there, an event widely attended by journalists, authors and residents. After 2 years at 1515 U street Truesdale closed that location in hopes of a more affordable space in the U Street corridor.

"Gentrification has affected me because I am self funded and most of the spaces [on U Street] are at market rate which is extremely high." TruesdaIe worked at Emma Mae's for two years without a salary, paying rent, and acquiring artifacts for her collection.

"Our history is so important that I am willing to do whatever I can to make sure that we have a command of our own history."

Truesdale remains resolved in her quest to bring good stories of our history to the masses. In April, the gallery owner began a six month exhibition at the Reeves Center and she is excited about expanding the gallery's website, emmamaegallery.com, along with initiating a fundraiser for the fall. She urges community members to support local Black galleries by volunteering, making purchases and supporting the artists.

Truesdale revels in her role as an entrepreneur. "There's something about ownership that gives you skills to be a whole person." The District native implores future artist and business owners to follow their dreams. "You don't want to end up saying 'I wish I would've done that." Truesdale said.

Address: 2000 14th Street NW Washington DC
Website: www.emmamaegallery.com
Phone: 202-246-6300