Founded in 1961, the DuSable is one of the first African-American museums in the U.S. It follows African-American history from its beginning on the shores of Africa to a celebration of African-American achievements including those of Bessie Coleman, the nations first black female aviator; World War II Tuskegee airmen; Major Robert Lawrence, the nation's first black astronaut; and Harold Washington, Chicago's first black mayor.

The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent. Weaving themes of art, history, and diversity, it also tells us "What's American about Americans?" and "What Shall I Tell My Children who are Black?"