{p dir=”ltr”}The Texas African American Museum, located at 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, is collecting donations for the ongoing renovation of its building, the former Tyler Fire Station No. 4, to showcase and preserve the history and heritage of African Americans from Tyler, the state of Texas and nationally. {span} {/span}

Gloria Washington has stepped down as executive director of the Texas African American Museum in Tyler.

Washington said she made the decision to resign in September after dealing with some health issues that prevented her from being able to further her role.

“I was having issues with my back and things were getting a little difficult for me,” Washington said. “I decided to step down and perhaps, maybe someone else would take up the reins and work the museum to its highest level.”

Founded in 2016, TAAM has been dedicated to the preservation of African American culture and history in East Texas. Washington has been in the role of executive director since the organization began.

“She wasn’t getting paid to be in that position and she did a great job,” said Clarence Shackelford, board member of the Empowerment Community Development Corporation and founder of TAAM.

TAAM is a program under the auspices of Empowerment Community Development Corporation, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization. The museum also conducts outreach in the hopes that African American history will be celebrated and recognized beyond just February, which is Black History Month.

“It brings joy to my heart to know what we have to offer for Smith County and Tyler, Texas, and the surrounding areas,” Washington said.

Washington hopes the next leader will continue with the museum’s growth.

“I would love to see someone else pick up the reins and continue to keep it growing, flourishing and being a great aspect to the city of Tyler and the county,” she said. “I hope that they will continue to create an educational experience for everyone that comes through the museum and that they will continue to build on what has already started.”

According to Shackelford, the executive board of the Empowerment Community Development Corporation will continue to oversee the daily operations of the museum.

“I have enjoyed being executive director for the Texas African American Museum,” Washington said. “I’ve met many people from all over the country and have been friends with many people. It has been a gracious and humbling experience.”

While she focuses on improving her health, Washington will continue to run her flower shop — Lyons Ave. Florist & Gifts, located at 1314 S. Lyons Avenue in Tyler — and volunteer at the Hospice of East Texas.

The Texas African American Museum is located at 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Tyler and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday each week, aside from holidays. For more information, visit 903-218-1447 or visit the museum online on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/texasafricanamericanmuseum .