Protecting the Integrity of African American History at the National Museum of African American History and Culture**

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern over the recent focus on LatinX studies within the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). While the inclusion and acknowledgment of diverse histories are important, we believe it is crucial to maintain the integrity of this space, which was established specifically to honor and study the experiences of African American descendants of chattel slavery in the United States.

The NMAAHC holds a unique position in our nation’s history. It serves not only as a repository for the narratives of African Americans but also as a sacred space that acknowledges the profound impact of slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement on the development of the United States. The museum's mission has always been to preserve the history of African Americans whose ancestors were enslaved in this country—those who have faced centuries of systemic oppression and have contributed immeasurably to the fabric of American society.

Recently, there has been a troubling trend where the distinct history and contributions of African American, Freedmen, and Foundational Black American (FBA) lineages are being diluted or co-opted in broader narratives. While we recognize and respect the presence of Blackness in America from various diasporas, the unique experiences of those who are direct descendants of American chattel slavery must not be overshadowed or subsumed under broader categories.

Our concern is not with the inclusion of other Black identities but with the potential for the museum to begin featuring exhibits that may inadvertently diminish the significance of African American history. This concern is rooted in the fear that the essential stories of resilience, resistance, and triumph against unimaginable odds might be diluted or lost amid broader, less specific narratives. The NMAAHC was established to tell the unique story of African Americans, and it must continue to do so with precision and respect.

There has been a national outcry on social media and within the African American community, calling for accountability and transparency from the NMAAHC. We believe it is imperative for the museum to clarify its position and ensure that its focus remains steadfast on its original mission: to honor the history and legacy of African Americans, particularly those whose ancestors endured the horrors of slavery in the United States.

We greatly value the NMAAHC and what it represents. We trust that the museum’s leadership can understand and empathize with our concerns. Therefore, we respectfully request that this message be forwarded to all applicable parties and that the museum provides clarity on how it intends to uphold its mission in the face of these recent developments.

By signing this petition, we stand together to protect the integrity of African American history at the NMAAHC, ensuring that future generations can fully understand and appreciate the profound contributions of African Americans to this nation.

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