In Washington, a key figure from the Civil Rights Movement has been informed by the Smithsonian Institution that artifacts he loaned to the National Museum of African American History and Culture might be returned. This comes amidst a possible review of the museum’s collection instigated by President Donald Trump.
Rev. Amos C. Brown, who leads the Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, had loaned two significant pieces to the museum: a Bible he carried during protests with Martin Luther King Jr., and a rare edition of “The History of the Negro Race in America” by George Washington Williams, written in 1880. These valuable items have been part of the museum’s collection since its inception nearly ten years ago.
Initially, concerns arose that the Trump administration might be enforcing changes at a museum widely regarded as a key element of Black American culture. There have been false claims that the museum had already removed civil rights exhibits, according to the Smithsonian. The White House has not provided any comments regarding the issue.
Nevertheless, the prospect of alterations to the African American museum has stirred strong reactions among Democratic legislators, historians, and civil rights champions. Many planned to rally in support of the museum in Washington this Saturday.
Brown, whose congregation includes Vice President Kamala Harris, was notified via email last month by a Smithsonian official citing preservation concerns due to the museum’s lighting as the reason for returning his artifacts. Brown dismissed this reason as insufficient for a museum.
Subsequently, another Smithsonian representative contacted Brown, expressing regret that the explanation had caused a misunderstanding and noted that a panel might reevaluate the inclusion of his items. This process would reportedly apply to a broad array of historical objects. However, no confirmation was provided regarding the establishment of such a panel.
Later interactions led to a scheduled video conference involving senior Smithsonian leadership, although the identities of the participants were not disclosed.
The Smithsonian explained that it routinely returns loaned artifacts according to agreements and rotates items on display adhering to high standards of care and preservation. Any deviation from these procedures was denounced as false.
Alarm has grown over a March 27 executive order from Trump titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which argues that the Smithsonian’s recent narratives portray American values as harmful and oppressive. The order appointed Vice President JD Vance and White House aide Lindsey Halligan to remove such ‘improper ideology’ from Smithsonian properties.
Prominent figures have voiced concerns, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries who criticized the order as attempting to ‘whitewash’ history. He drew comparisons to historical regimes known for suppressing authentic historical narratives.
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s son, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, emphasized the importance of exhibits on African American history in representing a more complete national history. He expressed hope that Trump would reconsider before proposing to erase crucial historical narratives.
In response to the order, civil rights organizations have mobilized. A coalition has announced a campaigning effort that will involve demonstrations at the African American museum.
Numerous African American churches have pledged their support and organized protests to champion the museum’s preservation.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, which debuted in 2016, holds over 40,000 artifacts depicting over 400 years of African American history, including their influence on all facets of American life.
At 84, Brown reflects on a prior positive relationship with the museum. As a youth, he stood alongside icons of the Civil Rights Movement like Martin Luther King Jr. He criticized the Smithsonian’s lack of transparency regarding potential changes at the museum.
“Let’s be respectful and speak truth to power,” he advised on responding to any potential museum changes. “Martin was right that if we don’t learn to live together as brothers and sisters, we all stand to lose.”