Diversity museum in need of an angel

When Deborah McDuff-Williams propped open the doors of the Museum of Cultural Diversity five years ago, she hoped there would be no more talk of a dream deferred. Her hope was to take the notion of diversity and give it an active forum, perhaps even make it tangible.

But the museum, tucked away in a sparsely populated corner of the Carson South Bay Pavilion, must now vacate its space Jan. 15 because of mall renovation plans. So McDuff-Williams is recalibrating her dream. Where the museum will relocate hangs in the balance. “Basically, we’re looking for an angel,” she says.

Over the years, the humble nonprofit has fulfilled some big ambitions. It’s played host to Guatemalan human-rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu, to wedding ceremonies from far-flung places, to gospel singers and Tibetan monks.

McDuff-Williams also has curated shows featuring masks and textiles from around the world, liturgical vestments from the Philippines and fantasy coffins from Ghana.

The director’s goal has been to help minimize cross-cultural ignorance by providing a place that not only fuels talk about diversity but also enables visitors to learn about the people they encounter in their daily lives -- particularly in the racially and culturally diverse South Bay region.

Since the museum received its eviction notice two months ago, “We’ve had different people who say they will help look for a place,” she says. “Our councilman has offered support. But we’re not tied down to the Carson area. Wherever we move now, I feel like it will be a better place. Maybe where we can have more visibility.”

McDuff-Williams hopes the museum will be able to find new space by spring. The current location “had a certain peace about it,” she says, “and that part is the part that I will miss. But I’ve got all the memories in my mind.” For more information: (310) 324-4702.

-- Lynell George