George Bayard III

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George Bayard is a respected historian, curator, and appraiser with a long-standing commitment to preserving African American history and culture. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA), where he has been instrumental in bringing to light the rich, often underrepresented stories of African Americans in West Michigan and beyond.

With a background in both history and fine art, George combines academic knowledge with a keen eye for cultural artifacts, making him a trusted voice in historical preservation and education. His work spans museum curation, public history initiatives, and cultural appraisal, and he is widely recognized for creating accessible, engaging spaces for dialogue and learning.

As today's special guest, George brings his deep expertise to a powerful and necessary conversation on the history of blackface—a troubling practice rooted in racism that has had a lasting impact on American entertainment and societal attitudes. Through thoughtful exploration, he helps unpack its origins, evolution, and the ongoing work required to confront its legacy.

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