HIstory Smithsonian

 

Hey Friend,   President Trump has escalated his efforts to reshape cultural institutions. This week, he turned his attention to the Smithsonian museums, pressing them to downplay the history of slavery and “remove divisive narratives.”  This is an attempt to "white-wash" black history, neglecting to tell the whole story of black history, including accomplishments of people of African descent and the wretchedness of slavery.   The Smithsonian’s leaders have long said their mission is to help Americans understand the full scope of our history, including both the triumphs and the painful chapters. Now that mission is under political pressure.   This is how democratic institutions are weakened, not all at once but gradually, when leaders decide which parts of our shared history the public is allowed to see.