Echoes of Our Ancestors at the National Museum of African-American History & Culture

Tami Tyree gave a modest donation in 2008 to help organizers raise the millions of dollars needed to get a matching donation from the federal government in order for the building of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC to commence. It broke ground in 2012 and opened its doors in 2016. To date, her contribution is annexed in the museum’s history and she is recognized as a FOUNDING charter member. During the pandemic the museum shut its doors and courageously reopened Sept. 18, 2020. Ms. Tyree wanted to be among other stalwarts who braved this decision, and brought a small group of close associates and friends in October, 2020.

“Ma, Mahalia & The Man”

The Thomas Dorsey/Mahalia Jackson project began in 2010. The first events took place at the Riverside Church in NYC, with a lecture by Tami Tyree on Dorsey’s gospel legacy. The music of the songwriter and choirmaster featured Wycliffe Gordon, The Riverside Inspirational Choir, clergy soloists and a band led by Rudi Mwongozi. Dorsey’s songs written expressly for Mahalia Jackson were performed by Tami Tyree; who traveled that year to Fisk University to work with its archivist in procuring his sheet music, tapes, and memorabilia.

Continue reading ““Ma, Mahalia & The Man””

Harlem Freedom Tour 2016

The Harlem Freedom Tour is the brainchild of Tami Tyree who wanted to highlight four churches in central Harlem whose activism began during the 1800’s and early twentieth century. Located within steps of each other, three of the four churches were involved in the slavery abolitionist movement and participated in the Underground Railroad; hosting such historical figures as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass.

Continue reading “Harlem Freedom Tour 2016”