Black Americans respond to president’s order to remove museum exhibits that promote ‘improper ideology’ – AFRO American Newspapers

Sign up to our free newsletter to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
AFRO American Newspapers
The Black Media Authority
Your contribution is appreciated.

By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Nearly nine years ago, with the ringing of a bell borrowed from First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Va., one of the oldest Black churches in America founded in 1776, President Barack Obama dedicated the long-awaited museum on the National Mall highlighting the contributions of African Americans.
Sign up for our Daily eBlast to get coverage on Black communities from the media company who has been doing it right for over 132 years.
“The African American story is not a sidebar or a secondary tale. No, it is central to the American story – a glorious story that illustrates how African Americans have been able to rise again and again from tragedy to triumph,” Obama said on Sept. 24 during a program attended by hundreds of guests.
Obama’s comments, which some might describe as prophetic, seemed to be based on his comprehensive knowledge of U.S. history, replete with examples of America’s unresolved attitudes about and issues with race.
But how do Black Americans view the March 27 executive order that calls for an overhaul of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, aimed at “restoring truth and sanity to American history?”
Anita Gonzalez, professor of Performing Arts and Black Studies, Georgetown University, believes the art of storytelling connects people to their cultures and that museums play a vital role in transmitting the stories that have shaped the nation.
As the co-founder and leader of Georgetown’s Racial Justice Institute, she raised concerns about efforts that further erode our ability to better understand the experiences and histories of America’s underrepresented ethnic communities.
“When you begin to remove artifacts and exhibits from museums, the impact is profound because representations of American citizens are in danger of disappearing,” Gonzalez said. “Many of my students already feel confused about the accuracy of American history and culture and with the removal of certain items or changes in narratives, some feel that they’re less a part of the American story.”
Gonzalez said the president’s order reminds her of the comments she first heard uttered by a former anthropology teacher during her college matriculation.
“I had a teacher who told us that they judged the commitment to inclusivity in the U.S. by the museums that were on the National Mall,” she said. “If the president’s plan continues undeterred, I fear that we will see more of our history excluded from our nation’s history and story.”
Duane Sedgwick, 46, said museums must be allowed to function independently and without interference from all levels of government so that they serve as strongholds of “truth.”
“When we know the truth, we can avoid repeating mistakes of the past,” he said. “The truth also gives us a blueprint that provides examples of decisions, policies and actions that benefited all Americans. It feels like we’re moving backwards right now in America, but we’ve seen this before. We’ve survived in the past and we will survive this as well.”
Harvey Chambers, 65, a sales and marketing professional who lives in Glen Allen, Va., said he’s concerned about the negative impact that eliminating parts of Black history from the public sphere and institutions will have on future generations.
“We’re not just talking about revising Black history. We’re seeing changes being made in American history so that only certain aspects of our nation’s story are maintained and only for a select few. But when we don’t tell the whole story – the good and the bad that happened – we’re not presenting the truth.
“Before the Supreme Court ruled that segregation was unconstitutional, we had to tell our stories differently, mostly orally. Maybe, that’s what we’ll need to do again, teaching our children Black history in our own schools and churches. While today’s youth may have grown up shielded from the more heinous forms of racism that their parents and grandparents once faced, I think they’re beginning to realize that racism still plagues America. It just exists in different forms.”
Chambers’ belief that the elders represent the most effective and inclusive way of transmitting both American and Black history resonates with the Rev. Franklyn Malone – a father, grandfather, mentor and chairman of the D.C.-based nonprofit Black Men Working Together.
“It’s wrong, in fact it’s disgraceful, to change history so that it conforms with how one group of Americans view history and is less threatened because the truth has been altered,” Malone said.
“Our ancestors didn’t have museums, the internet or libraries and books like we do today. Instead, they passed down our history by word of mouth. And because the history they shared lived in their minds and hearts – because they had experienced that history – our story has lived on. We must do likewise.”
132 years ago we were covering Post-Reconstruction when a former enslaved veteran started the AFRO with $200 from his land-owning wife. In 2022 we endorsed Maryland’s first Black Governor, Wes Moore. And now we celebrate the first Black Senator from Maryland, Angela Alsobrooks!
Your contribution is appreciated.
Special to the NNPA from The Miami Times More by D. Kevin McNeir
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The AFRO knows what it’s like to endure challenging times. John H. Murphy, Sr., a former enslaved man founded the AFRO in 1892 with $200 from his wife, Martha Howard Murphy. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. The AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found.
Learn More
Baltimore, MD Office
233 E. Redwood Street Suite 600G
Baltimore, MD 21202
Washington, DC Office
Uline Arena Building
1140 3rd St., 2nd Flr, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Voice: 410-554-8200
Email: customerservice@afro.com

Enter the code sent to your email.
Email address

Enter your password
Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.