Christopher Blay ’03 is the Director of Public Programs at the National Juneteenth Museum. Photo credit: Allison V. Smith and Bjarke Ingels Group, KAI Enterprises and the National Juneteenth Museum
We spoke to School of Art alumnus Christopher Blay ’03 about his new role as Director of Public Programs at the National Juneteenth Museum (NJM), which is set to open in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside in 2026.
“My focus will be working with the team at NJM and our publics to present world-class programs that reflect our mission and solidify our position as the premier museum for global Black culture in the region and a space that is open to all,” shared Blay.
The museum will honor and celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth, the historic holiday that commemorates the monumental moment when slavery officially ended.
Sharing Stories That Resonate Locally & Nationally
For the past three years, Blay served as chief curator at the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC), where he brought artists’ voices to the forefront of contemporary art dialogue.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture presents: Bert Long Jr. Gallery Spring Survey Exhibition. Photo credit: Christopher Blay
“Juneteenth History is Black History, and at HMAAC the community was our main focus,” explained Blay.
His curatorial efforts highlighted works from some of the most influential artists of our generation while facilitating critical conversations on race, equity and justice.
“I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with some amazing artists in Houston and from around the country,” said Blay. “As chief curator, I wanted to expand my engagement with and support the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and Black people globally. My new position as director of public programs at the NJM affords me just such an opportunity.”
Connecting with the Community
Blay has deep ties to Fort Worth, engaging with Southside communities where the NJM will be built. His work spans journalism, art and cultural preservation, including a video documentary for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and a public art project. Now, he plans to integrate the neighborhood’s history with Black history, Juneteenth, and the ongoing focus on social justice, empowerment and culture.
In the coming months, Blay’s primary focus will be preparing the museum for its public debut. As he and his team collaborate, research and shape programs and exhibitions, they will gradually share details with the public.
Blay aims to engage diverse audiences beyond the typical museum visitor, ensuring that NJM’s dynamic exhibitions and cultural artifacts resonate with a broader community, enriching the museum’s vision as it approaches its opening.
“No cultural institution can exist in a vacuum, and the NJM is no exception,” explained Blay. “Our global and local partnerships are being developed across disciplines and expertise.”
With the leadership of NJM CEO and visionary, Jarred Howard, Executive Strategist, Dr. Lauren Cross, and its Board of Directors and staff, Blay and his team are excited to continue planning and offering out programs as they engage with core communities in the months ahead.