Under Scrutiny: The Rationale Behind Frequent Rotation of Displays at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Dawn Breaks in Baltimore, Pastor Marches Again
On a chilly Baltimore morning, the Reverend Robert Turner, Empowerment Temple AME Church's senior pastor, embarked on a 43-mile journey. His destination? The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
A staunch advocate for reparations for African Americans, Turner's long strides reflect his determination to bring attention to the struggle for racial justice. This time, he marched to protest what he perceives as a deliberate attempt by the Trump administration to suppress crucial American history.
"If you're unaware of our sufferings, the torment we've endured," Turner explained, "you might not grasp the need for reparation. This museum—the 'Blacksonian' as many call it—holds massive significance, worth every inch I'll walk."
You can't forget the pain of our past, Turner believes, without first acknowledging it. The trek ahead seems insignificant when compared to the journey of his ancestors, who endured insurmountable hardships during the horrors of slavery.
The future of the museum, a symbol of African American history, is at stake, according to Turner. And the nation's entire soul hangs in the balance.
The Museum: A Focal Point of Controversy
Artifacts related to slavery and civil rights have recently been moved out of exhibits, raising concerns about a potential White House review. In late March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order demanding the removal of any exhibits that "divide Americans based on race." However, the White House now claims innocence, stating it isn't involved in any changes at the museum.
Conversely, Democrats in Congress are requesting greater protection for civil rights landmarks, alarmed by these developments. Rumors are circulating that at least 32 significant artifacts have been removed from the museum, including Harriet Tubman's hymn book, a slave-made cloth, and a Public Enemy photo.
Also sacrificed is "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," the autobiography of one of the most prominent abolition leaders. Both items were donated to the Smithsonian.
"The White House had no role in any exhibit removal or any other Smithsonian institution," White House spokesperson Lindsey Halligan stated. "The museum made this decision on its own accord."
The museum countered these accusations, asserting that "claims suggesting that items have been removed for reasons other than adherence to standard loan agreements or museum practices are baseless." On its website, the museum revealed plans to unveil 11 new artifacts later this month—including a photograph on the effects of mass incarceration on the Black community, a painting depicting a Ku Klux Klan member, and artwork dedicated to Emmett Till.
The Struggle Continues
Turner remains unconvinced, though. "It's critical that America acknowledges our shared history," he stated emphatically. "We must put a stop to this. America is better than this, Black and white. We deserve better."
The story of the museum's artifacts is one integral to the tapestry of American history, he believes, and must be preserved. If children can survive lynching, Turner argues, then future generations can endure classrooms that teach the nation's dark past.
Liz Brazelton, owner of a diary connected to the Oscar-winning film "12 Years a Slave," echoes Turner's sentiments. A distant relative of the lawyer who helped free Solomon Northup, she donated a diary to the museum in 2015. However, the museum returned it in March, two weeks before Trump signed the executive order targeting exhibits at the Smithsonian.
Civil rights leader and activist Rev. Amos C. Brown isn't immune to these concerns, either. Following the Trump administration's executive order, the museum returned his father's bible, used during protests with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and "History of the Negro Race" book—both items loaned in 2016. Tragically, the museum chose to renew his loans until now, prompting Brown to question their true motives.
"I feel this move is harsh, disrespectful, and unjust," Brown stated unequivocally.
In spite of these setbacks, the museum proposed to hold Brown's items permanently following his public objections.
Throughout these controversies, however, Turner will continue his monthly pilgrimage from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., elucidating the importance of preserving the museum's artifacts and advocating for genuine reparations.
"The truth is too powerful to die, regardless of who sits in the White House," Turner said with resolute conviction.
The relocation of artifacts related to slavery and civil rights has sparked heated political debates. Amidst concerns about a potential White House review, President Donald Trump signed an executive order demanding the removal of any exhibits that "divide Americans based on race." However, the White House claims innocence, stating it isn't involved in any changes at the museum.
In response to the removal of significant artifacts, including Harriet Tubman's hymn book and "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," advocates like Reverend Robert Turner, the senior pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church, are calling for greater protection of civil rights landmarks. Turner, who is marching to protest what he perceives as a deliberate attempt to suppress American history, believes that the story of the museum's artifacts is one integral to the tapestry of American history and must be preserved.
