KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — A church in Grand Rapids shared historical contributions of African Americans during a live presentation at Woodland Mall on Saturday.

The live African American museum is a tradition for New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. It spans more than a decade.

“We think of this as a means of teaching, sharing and celebrating with more people,” Cathy Large, drama ministry leader at New Hope Baptist Church, said.

It was the first time the the church brought the popular “live museum” back to the mall for Black History Month since 2020.

Each year features new historical figures played by young and seasoned members of the church.

“I had been hearing about how nice it is and I wanted to see it for myself,” Ethel Hudson said. “It wonderful. It was so nice. I enjoyed it.”

Members represented over 20 Black figures including the O’Jays, an R&B group, United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as well as actor Louis Gossett Jr. and more.

Each stood on a platform and did not interact with the public. They remained in their roles of the person they represented.

“They are frozen and when people come up they will speak,” Large explained. “Once the delivery is done they (become) frozen again.”

The presentation lasted from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. inside the mall located at 3195 28th St. SE.