Dr. Lauren Cross,
Executive Strategist
Dr. Lauren Cross is an interdisciplinary artist, filmmaker, curator, and scholar whose work is dedicated to exploring the intersections of culture, history, and the arts.
As a native Texan and descendant of enslaved people, Dr. Cross brings a personal and profound understanding of the significance of Juneteenth to her role at the National Juneteenth Museum. With a Ph.D. in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University, Dr. Cross combines her scholarly expertise with her professional experience to help advance the museum’s mission of preserving and celebrating the Juneteenth story.
Dr. Cross has been instrumental in developing and consulting on the museum’s curatorial plan, focusing on inspiring and empowering visitors by highlighting the global significance of Juneteenth. Her vision aligns with the museum’s goal of being more than a repository of history—it aims to be a dynamic epicenter for dialogue about freedom and its impact worldwide. Dr. Cross's leadership is also reflected in the museum’s national call for cultural artifacts, encouraging individuals to contribute items that can aid in telling the Juneteenth story.
Her work has been recognized nationally, with exhibitions and screenings across the country, including her feature film The Skin Quilt Project, which was an official selection at the 2010 International Black Women’s Film Festival. In 2013, Dr. Cross was honored with the Fort Worth Weekly Visionary Award for her contributions to the arts community. She has also curated significant projects such as New Stories, New Futures, which celebrates underrepresented narratives within the North Texas region.
Dr. Cross's dedication to diversity in the arts and her commitment to educating others about the history and impact of Juneteenth make her an invaluable asset to the National Juneteenth Museum and its mission to bring Juneteenth’s story to the world.
