Shonna McDaniels is one of Sacramento’s most gifted “Artists!” She has made it her mission as a Black woman,as a Black female artist, to carry out the cause of educating not just our community, but communities of non-color, of the richness of us; of the richness of our Ancestry, and the talented Black Artists that came before her. Shonna McDaniels exudes the “Pride” of our people and I have a strong appreciation and love for her work. She has rejected what white art culture has defined as art, and chosen to redefine traditional standards of “Black” beauty. She challenges us, elevates our black consciousness, while challenging others on their undermining issues of racism, violence, slavery, police brutality and exploitation. These stories are shared through her many murals she has created and co-created with others. She has brought art to the South-Side of Sacramento, given out thousands of meals, created youth art programs, brought the Banana Festival to William Land Park and now has given us, Sacramento, their first African American Museum—“Sojourner Truth Museum!” She is one of the most giving and humble artists I know. She is also one the most highly respected “Black Female Artists.” She is our Goddess! Our Black Madonna! Ase’ — Barbara Range

Shonna McDaniels is the Founder and Director of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (founded 1996) which documents, preserves and educates the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans. McDaniels is a professional artist,educator,muralist and community activist and her work is dedicated to bringing social change through creativity. In 1988 she was a co-founder of the Visual Arts Development Project, where she conducted workshops and organized art exhibitions throughout the Oak Park and Del Paso communities. She has contributed to over 150 murals in Sacramento, Stockton and San Francisco.