Rev. Amos C. Brown, a Civil Rights Movement veteran and pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, expressed concerns after being informed by the Smithsonian Institution that the two artifacts he loaned to the National Museum of African American History and Culture may be returned. These items include a historic book on Black American history and a Bible he carried during protests with Martin Luther King Jr. The potential return of these items coincides with a review of museum collections ordered by former President Trump, raising fears of ideological alterations to the museum, regarded as a beacon of Black culture.
Initial reports related to the museum indicated possible changes, though the Smithsonian clarified that claims about removals related to the civil rights struggle were false. Brown received a mixed message from Smithsonian officials regarding the reasons for the return, shifting from preservation concerns to a potential reevaluation by a panel. The Smithsonian stated that such returns align with their routine practices and not ideological motives.
Trump’s executive order, which aims to address what it terms “divisive, race-centered ideology” within institutions like the Smithsonian, has sparked significant backlash. Critics, including lawmakers and civil rights leaders, argue this could lead to the whitewashing of history, likening it to oppressive regimes of the past. Brown, who has a history with the Smithsonian, criticized the lack of transparency in the museum’s operations. Activist groups have rallied in response, planning protests to support the museum and safeguard its representation of African American history, which spans over 400 years and includes more than 40,000 artifacts. Brown emphasized the need for honesty and respect in addressing any changes regarding the museum’s future.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
