The family historian, Richard Allen Collins-Diggs held the flame of his heritage in his hands. In extremely detailed notes were the migration and growth, well preserved in a bible that belonged to his great grandfather, Richard G. Collins.
A surprise awaited “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris and his family on a 2016 visit to the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington: An exhibit on the TV series was on display.
Each year as families beam with pride at seeing a son, daughter or another relative graduate from college, that achievement is nearly always the result of a family’s commitment to higher education. And when these institutions are among the more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), that pride is magnified by the history of how our forefathers overcame what once seemed to be insurmountable challenges.
During the intimate video-taped interview inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the two visionaries also tackled topics that ranged from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, their shared North Carolina families’ histories, the writing legacy of author James Baldwin, and the contemporary vitality of the Black Press of America.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents announced today it elected Lonnie G. Bunch III, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, effective June 16. Bunch is the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in September 2016. He oversees the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. Bunch’s election is unprecedented for the Smithsonian: He will be the first African American to
“Had there been no May 17, 1954 (the day the Supreme Court ruled in Brown V. Board of Education), I’m not sure there would have been a Little Rock. I’m not sure there would have been a Martin Luther King Jr., or Rosa Parks, had it not been for May 17, 1954. It created an environment for us to push, for us to pull,” Lewis said.
One of the most recognizable openings in television history blares on a video screen: “I’m Oprah Winfrey, and welcome to The Oprah Winfrey Show!” The crowd goes wild. At the center of it all, a dancing young Oprah.
The discussion was moderated by Dwandalyn Reece, curator of music and performing arts (NMAAHC) and Timothy Anne Burnside, curatorial museum specialist (NMAAHC).
Nooses on the National Mall Stoke Memories of “America’s Dark History”
The United States has never come to grips with racism nor has it officially acknowledged its history of economic inequality rooted in racism
Getting in to the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture requires a timed entry pass, and now more of them are about to be distributed to the public.
It reminds us that slavery ended barely more than 150 years ago, the span of two long lives
President Barack Obama speaks during the grand opening ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.
It is important that the National Museum of African American History and Culture tells the unvarnished truth of America’s history
“It is the purpose of the National Memorial Association; to erect a beautiful building suitable to depict the egro’s contribution to America in the military service, in art, literature, invention, science, industry, ect.-fitting tribute to the Negro’s contributions and achievements, and which would serve as an educational center giving inspiration and pride to the present and future generations that they may be inspired to follow the examples of those who have aided in the advancement of the race and Nation..” – National Memorial Association, 1915