NMAAM Unveils Strategic Plan For National Cultural Impact & Institutional Growth

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Tomicka Delgado, William Jeffries III and Dexter D. Evans

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has announced a comprehensive strategic plan that aims to expand from 125,000 to 250,000 annual visitors while establishing the museum as the definitive voice on African American music heritage nationwide.

Built around three foundational pillars—Educate & Entertain, Sustainability and National Impact—the plan leverages NMAAM’s unique position as the Home of Black Music Month and the only museum dedicated to the complete story of African American music’s influence on global culture.

“Our three-pillar approach focuses on where musical genius is discovered and developed, where cultural investment creates lasting impact and where American culture gains its authoritative voice,” says Executive Director William Jeffries III. “This strategic framework transforms NMAAM from a preservation-focused museum into an amplification engine for African American musical brilliance.”

The strategic plan will be implemented by NMAAM’s executive leadership team, including Executive Director William Jeffries III, who has secured $5 million in transformational Lilly Endowment funding and brings more than 20 years of cultural institution experience. Deputy Director, Operations & Culture Tomicka Delgado ensures operational excellence and visitor experience optimization through guest services, facility management and organizational culture. Deputy Director, Strategy & Advancement Dexter D. Evans leads cultural programming, strategic partnerships and institutional growth.

“This leadership team brings proven expertise in cultural programming, strategic advancement and operational excellence,” shares Board Chair Stacey Koju, partner at Spencer Fane. “Their combined experience positions NMAAM to execute this ambitious strategic plan while maintaining the authentic storytelling that makes us essential to understanding America’s musical foundation.”

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