LOS ANGELES, CA.- Two new history exhibitions have been installed at the California African American Museum, and both have connections with past events in the “Golden State” of California. The first exhibition King in California II comes just in time for the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on view through February 28, 2012. The second exhibition Justice, Balance and Achievement: African Americans and the California Courts on view through May 27, 2012 is a recognition of African American judges, and some of the major legal cases that have impacted the experiences of African Americans in California.

King in California II pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with historical photographs taken during some of his many trips to California. Dr. King visited California regularly from 1956 through 1968, participating in the civic, political and social life of California. Through this exhibition one has the opportunity to view images of Dr. King in his travels to bring justice to America. Photographs are from the collection of the Center for Photojournalism and Visual History at California State University, Northridge.

The exhibition, Justice, Balance and Achievement: African Americans and the California Courts examines the achievements of African American judicial leadership and how some court cases have shaped the experiences of African Americans in California. Through objects and photos, the exhibit also celebrates the 17 African American justices who served on the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal in California, also highlighting significant 19th and 20th century cases that influenced and shaped our communities.

Organized by CAAM this exhibition combines two previous exhibitions, …And Justice For All curated by the California Legislative Black Caucus and the Administrative Office of the Courts, and African Americans in the California Courts, curated by the California Judicial Center Library at the California Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District in San Francisco.