A free Black History Month exhibit has returned to Hono­lulu Hale for the seventh year.

"Bridging Cultures Created Equal" was created in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s march on Washington and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

The African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawaii has expanded the exhibit to include other minorities, AADCCH President Deloris Guttman said at a press conference Friday.

"We’re all family," she said. "That’s how it is. That’s what Hawaii is all about."

Photographs, news clips, stories and biographies are included, showcasing the accomplishments of individuals who have made an impact in the area of civil rights. President Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, the Supremes, John Lennon and late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink are among those featured.

The AADCCH was founded in 1997 as a museum repository in order to preserve more than 200 years of history about African-Americans in Hawaii. Guttman said African-Americans make up only 3 percent of Hawaii’s population.

The nonprofit group has worked to encourage schools to expand on how civil rights history is taught. The AADCCH has a youth enrichment program at Radford High School and Moana­lua Middle School, where 75 students participate in music, dance and poetry and give performances at the end of the school year.

"A lot of people know now about the history of the cultures and what we’re trying to do," said Denisa Thompson, 36, a volunteer with the AADCCH for two years. "Everybody’s coming together, which is a really good thing."

Jesse Broder Van Dyke, communications director for Mayor Kirk Caldwell, said he hopes the Hono­lulu Hale exhibit draws a lot of visitors.

"It’s a celebration for how much progress has been made in this country and how far we’ve come in celebrating the people who took risks to bring us closer to equality," he said.

The exhibit will run until Feb. 21 and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.