ATL Standard

Congresswoman Nikema Williams, representing Georgia's 5th district, alongside Congresswoman Yvette Clarke from New York's 9th district, has called on former President Trump to rescind an Executive Order pertaining to the Smithsonian Institution. The order accuses the institution, which houses the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), of exposing visitors to "ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives" that allegedly distort historical understanding.

In their communication, the Congresswomen highlighted the significant role of the NMAAHC since its inception in 2016, citing that it has hosted over 10 million visitors and serves as the largest repository of African American history and culture. They emphasized its importance, stating: “NMAAHC is vital to preserving and showcasing the contributions of the African American community and the leaders who fought tirelessly to secure the promise of fundamental civil rights and human dignity for Black Americans.”

The letter from Williams and Clarke criticized the Executive Order as contradictory to the congressional support given to the Smithsonian, including financial appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024. They argued, “Your EO is in direct contravention of Congress’s decision to fund the Smithsonian in line with the congressional statutes creating each component of the institution.”

Moreover, the Congresswomen expressed concern over what they perceive as a broader attempt by the Administration to diminish the history and contributions of Black Americans. They referenced several examples, including the removal of pages related to Jackie Robinson's military service by the Department of Defense, as indicative of "a political ideology that holds people, based solely on the color of their skin, as less worthy of renown.”

The letter closed with a plea to the former President: “I strongly encourage you to reverse course and recognize Black Americans as people worthy of having their unique and historic contributions to our country memorialized, preserved, and taught to current and future generations.”

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