On May 3, a rally titled #HandsOffOurHistory took place in Washington, D.C., supporting the National Museum of African American History and Culture amidst concerns about President Trump’s executive order aimed at curtailing certain narratives about American history. The order encourages the identification of language at monuments and museums that might “inappropriately disparage Americans,” specifically targeting institutions like the Smithsonian, which Trump believes have adopted a “divisive, race-centered ideology.”
The rally, organized by civil rights activists and community leaders, featured speeches emphasizing the importance of preserving Black history and resisting efforts to erase it. Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, stated that the movement is an “assault on our very existence.” Protestors expressed their commitment to fight against legislative measures that restrict the teaching of Black history in states like Florida.
Participants marched to the museum chanting slogans such as “Hands off our history” and carried signs advocating for the teaching of historical truths. Nicole Williams, a speaker and member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, highlighted the significant threats posed by the current administration, which she claimed was withholding funding from institutions related to Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities. Lenny Smith echoed these sentiments, asserting the need to celebrate and preserve African American contributions for future generations.
Organizers plan ongoing actions, including social media campaigns, asserting that this effort is not merely a momentary response but part of a larger movement. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, encapsulated this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective action in safeguarding Black history.
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