Tensions are unequivocally high in America this year. We have witnessed numerous incidents of Black men being gunned down by men and women that took a vow to protect and serve, bombs exploding in New York City, and we’re currently in the midst of one the most controversial presidential elections in our history. Despite all the negativity and controversy that’s happening around us, there was one tremendous event that took place on Saturday, September 24, that can be counted as a positive victory. The Smithsonian Institution officially opened The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. The museum is now the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.
“This national museum helps to tell a richer and fuller story of who we are," said President Obama in his speech during the opening. He went on to say that "By knowing this other story we better understand ourselves and each other. It binds us together. It reaffirms that all of us are America, that African-American history is not somehow separate from our larger American story." He added that he believes the museum represents something that is central to the American story.
There were many highlights throughout the opening of the museum: Ruth Odom Bonner, the daughter of a former slave ringing the bell to officially declare the museum open, and the picture of former president George Bush and First Lady Michelle Obama sharing an embrace. Here's what one Facebook user by the name of Keino Baird had to say about the aforementioned picture.
"This photo says a lot. Here is my take...The opening of this first national Museum of African American History and Culture and the role President Bush played in signing the legislation is what allowed the Museum its rightful place on the National Mall as a Smithsonian Institution. This is an example of public policy (laws) being implemented to define and shape national character that unites us as Americans through the truthful telling of History."
Keino Bard also said, "Here again, you have good bipartisan legislation to put things into their rightful place historically. I am not a huggy person, but this hug and embrace is exemplary and historical and along with this museum, let it be a place where we can be Open to honest dialogue about race, and while it will take more than hugs to reverse systemic injustices from the very beginning of the country, a land of many many contradictions but a place where you learn to live, make a story and can tell your own story. A story of unarmed people, a story of the poor and the rich, a story of slaves and masters, a story of women in the South walking to work during the bus boycott, a story of pain and suffering but also a story of triumph and victory. It is in the telling of these multiple stories this Museum will do for generation's to come.
Michelle hugging President Bush is a hug of empathy and the stance we must demonstrate as humans when dealing with racial issues. I am looking forward to visiting this Museum. It is a sacred place and a place of healing, a healing our country desperately needs. Public policy through this Museum means that the teaching of American history should be no longer be whitewashed in classrooms. I can go on and on about this but we don't get public policy affecting the teaching of History everyday and the resources like a great Museum to accompany multiple narratives where we can go to reflect, remember, experience, to bear witness to past truths and present reality and future hope."
This was truly an accomplishment that needs to be acknowledged, and I hope each one of you reading plan on taking a trip to check out this museum. Learn more about the museum Here.
