The National Museum of African American History and Culture

“It is the only national museum dedicated exclusively to the documentation of African American life. ”

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a singular sight, standing almost in the middle of the National Mall, juxtaposed against the Washington Monument. It is powerful, elegant, and imposing in its architecture and almost overwhelming in its content. The museum contains an impressive 36,000 artifacts. It is the only national museum dedicated exclusively to the documentation of African American life.

I was absorbed by the stories, told beautifully and powerfully, thru the exhibitions. The depth and breadth and reach of the horrific legacy of slavery, seen together with the extraordinary accomplishments of African Americans was profound. Economically, socially, culturally and politically, our country is enriched thru the legacy of African Americans, and this museum invites visitors to understand that reality.

The Museum of African American History and Culture takes its place amongst the 18 other institutions that form the Smithsonian and that undoubtedly contain work generated by African Americans. But the pieces contained in the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Arts and Industries Museum, and many others, are not curated with the intent of highlighting African American contributions, which makes this particular museum so critical.

While the collection presents a singular people’s contribution, the intent of the museum creators is to unite us: “it explores what it means to be an American and share how American values like resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African American history and culture”

It is a treasure. It is a beginning.