In budget cutback news, another African-American museum is on the brink of closing. In one of three of his proposals, Oakland, California mayor Jean Quan is suggesting the closing of the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland.

Home to the collection of Henry Delton Williams, a clothing designer who created costumes for Hollywood and Motown stars--including a famous gown worn by Martha Reeves--the space serves as a duo library and museum. Other collections on site include books and papers that date back to when California was still a part of Mexico.

This news comes on the heels of Detroit’s announcement last week that it too may cut back funds to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History.

The AAMLO has costs of around $800,000 and isn’t allowed to charge a fee for the usage of its archives and library for events. In contrast, the Oakland Museum of California has a budget of $15 million and charges an admission of up to $12. The city’s contribution to the Oakland Museum of California has dropped 60 percent.

The city plans to announce the AAMLO’s fate on June 21. To help save the museum, visit: www.saveoaklandlibrary.org

(Photo: African-American Museum and Library at Oakland)