Artifacts Linked to Civil Rights Removed from National Museum Amid Controversy

Reports indicate that the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. is in the process of quietly removing significant items, including a Bible that Rev. Amos Brown carried during civil rights demonstrations. Rev. Brown, a long-standing pastor and civil rights activist, received communication from the museum informing him that the Bible, along with other artifacts he donated, would soon be returned to him, raising eyebrows about the motives behind this decision.

Since its opening in September 2016 on the National Mall, the museum has showcased Brown's Bible as part of its collection. However, a recent email from the museum stated their intention to return the items they borrowed nine years ago to "preserve them" and because they had been on display for an extended period of time. This explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly in light of a recent executive order from President Trump that aims to reshape how American history, particularly related to race, is presented in Smithsonian museums.

Rev. Brown expressed his disbelief that the artifacts were being returned for their preservation, describing the reasoning as a flimsy excuse related to the lighting conditions in the museum. He noted that along with the Bible, another item, his personal copy of The History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880, is also being sent back to him. Brown criticized the museum's handling of the loan renewal, asserting that it was both disingenuous and disrespectful.

A statement from the museum emphasized that they routinely return loaned artifacts in compliance with loan agreements and museum protocols for preservation and care. They also denied claims that the removals were motivated by anything other than standard practices. However, Brown has called for a collective response from those who recognize the importance of these objects, urging them to push back against what he perceives as an ideological agenda.

The decision to remove these artifacts has also garnered criticism from political figures. Congressman Bennie Thompson from Mississippi condemned the move on social media, framing it as a direct assault on Black history. He argued that attempts to erase historical truths will not be effective, asserting that the public will resist such efforts to silence the legacy of Black Americans.