Body of African American history museum founder discovered in trunk of car
The founder of an African American history museum in Louisiana was found dead in the trunk of a car on Friday afternoon, police said. The cause of death for Sadie Roberts-Joseph, who was considered an icon in the Baton Rouge community, has not been determined, but two local officials said she was murdered.
Police found the body of Roberts-Joseph, 75, in a car about 3.5 miles from her home, CBS Baton Rouge affiliate WAFB reports. Authorities have not said what led to her body being discovered.
In 2001, Roberts-Joseph founded the Odell S. Williams Now & Then Museum of African-American History, which is now known as the Baton Rouge African-American History Museum. She was revered in Baton Rouge for her charity and activism and for helping to start the annual Juneteenth celebrations in Louisiana’s capital city commemorating the ending of slavery.
“In the midst of managing a major weather event in our parish, I was hit with some devastating news — the murder of a dear friend and a mother of the community — Sadie Roberts-Joseph,” Broome wrote in an Instagram tribute posted Sunday. “I’ve deliberately waited to comment because of the level of love and respect I had for Sadie; and because it was such shocking news. She loved this city and its people. Her commitment to the cultural and educational fabric of our community is beyond description.”
Marcelle said Roberts-Joseph “never bothered anyone” and wanted to expand the museum she founded.
The NAACP branch in Baton Rouge called Roberts-Joseph a “Cultural Legend.”
“From reviving Juneteenth, to the Culture preserved at Her Museum, she was a trendsetter and icon in this City,” the group said.
No suspects have been named in connection with Roberts-Joseph’s death. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of her death.
