Protecting the 'Blacksonian': A Stand for America’s Authentic History

The significance of confronting America's history cannot be overstated, particularly in the ongoing evaluation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The notion of questioning the inclusion of slavery and racism in our national narrative is not only perilous — it’s fundamentally racist and absurd.While the Smithsonian Institution’s review, ignited by a March executive order, may be framed as a “collaborative effort” respectful of its mission, it fundamentally seeks to sanitize a vital chapter of history. When politicians dictate narrative boundaries, the unvarnished truth suffers.Since its 2016 establishment, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has attracted millions. It stands as the sole national institution preserving the African American narrative—integral to America’s broader history. Its exhibits document the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans, serving as a sobering reminder of our past. In echoing the Holocaust's brutal remembrance, America must recognize its history of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial terror. Ignoring these truths diminishes our understanding of resilience. The NMAAHC exists not for comfort but for honest storytelling. Historical representations of slavery and racial violence compel us to acknowledge the depth of pain endured and overcome. Dismissing slavery’s impact undermines our ancestral legacy and...