National Museum of African American History and Culture marks 10th anniversary

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a series of events themed ‘Welcome Home. Our Legacy Continues.’ The festivities include educational events, ticketed galas, and discussions, such as ‘Understanding America’ featuring founding director Lonnie G. Bunch III, who recently announced his intention to retire.

The anniversary comes amid political pressure from the Trump administration. An executive order signed last year sought to change various federally supported museums and landmarks. The order directed federal officials to work with Congress to prevent the Smithsonian from using federal funds for exhibits that allegedly ‘degrade shared American values’ or ‘divide Americans based on race.’ Additionally, the Interior Department has removed several displays from national monuments that highlighted the history of women, people of color, social activists, and LGBTQ individuals.