On May 3, 2020, hundreds rallied in support of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., following President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at reshaping historical narratives. The order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” sought to limit perspectives that depict American and Western values as harmful, particularly targeting institutions like the Smithsonian.
Participants at the #HandsOffOurHistory rally, which included civil rights leaders and members of Black sororities, voiced their commitment to preserving Black history in the face of government actions deemed threatening. Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, characterized the effort against historical erasure as an “assault on our very existence.” Protesters held signs with slogans like “History should be taught, not erased” as they marched from City Hall to the museum.
Amid concerns over restrictions on teaching Black history in states such as Florida, rally attendees emphasized the importance of historical awareness. Nicole Williams highlighted the potential dangers of forgetting history, stating, “If we don’t know our history, we’re doomed to repeat it.” Organizers of the event, including Karsonya Wise Whitehead, stressed the collective nature of their response, indicating that their movement would extend beyond the moment.
Participants expressed fears that the current administration is withholding funding from institutions serving Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities. The gathering ended with a call for ongoing actions, including social media campaigns, signaling that the rally was part of a broader effort to protect and celebrate African American heritage and contributions.
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