We were lucky to catch up with Marquell Byrd recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marquell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
We took a group of students from Compton to a near by museum but the students didnt see themselves within the art aht was displayed in the museum. Once that happened God spoke to me about building our own museum within our community.
Marquell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Our museum porvides the community to view and take part in the exhibitions that we have on display within our community. Changing the narrative that Compton couldnt or wouldnt have an art museum. I installed the floors and the ciling to ensure that we had something like this wihtin our community. Art, access, and resourcs are vital components to have us give back to the community.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I didnt know how to build a museum or museum walls for that matter. God gave me the ability to go after something and i wouldnt take no for an answer. there are people, things and more that might get in the way from you building what is a part of Gods purpose but it is up to you to really keep going. “if you look for an excuse, youre gonna find one” – Denzel Washington
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
When moving to Compton I had the same perception that most people do, that its like the NWA records or a boys in the hood film. I learned quickly that there is a beautiful community and great history that is still being told about the city of compton.
Contact Info:
- Website: ComptonMuseum.org
- Instagram: @ComptonMuseum
- Facebook: @ComptonMuseum
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compton-museum/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: @ComptonMuseum
- Yelp: @ComptonMuseum
Image Credits
Provided By Compton Art & History Museum