On May 3, a rally was held in Washington, D.C., to support the National Museum of African American History and Culture, amidst concerns over President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at revising how Black history is represented in museums and other educational institutions. The order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” calls for removing language it deems to “inappropriately disparage Americans,” specifically criticizing certain narratives attributed to institutions like the Smithsonian.
The event, dubbed the #HandsOffOurHistory rally, saw hundreds march from City Hall to the museum, emphasizing resilience in safeguarding Black history against efforts perceived as erasing it. Speakers, including civil rights leaders and members of various Black organizations, rallied against educational restrictions, particularly in states like Florida that have limited Black history education and banned relevant literature.
Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, declared, “We will not be erased,” labeling GOP actions as an “assault on our very existence.” Participants voiced their determination by holding signs and chanting, “Hands off our history.” Nicole Williams, a participant and member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, highlighted the ongoing threats from the administration, which she claims withholds funding from programs related to Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities.
Participants aim to maintain momentum with further actions, including a social media campaign, stressing that this struggle is part of a broader movement. “If we don’t know our history, we’re doomed to repeat it,” asserted Williams. As speakers expressed commitment to celebrating African American contributions, the rally underscored the collective fight against attempts to diminish the representation of Black history in public discourse.
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