On May 3, 2025, hundreds of voices echoed through Washington, D.C., as civil rights leaders and protestors marched from City Hall to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Chanting “Hands off our history,” they rallied against what they perceive as the Trump administration’s efforts to erase Black history. This vibrant demonstration, part of the “Freedom to Learn” campaign, was a bold response to an executive order signed by President Trump on March 27, 2025, which critics argue targets the Smithsonian Institution’s commitment to truthful storytelling. The order calls for the removal of “improper ideology” from federally funded museums, raising alarms about the future of the NMAAHC, affectionately known as the “Blacksonian.”
The museum, opened in 2016, houses over 40,000 artifacts chronicling more than 400 years of African American resilience. From the shackles of slavery to the triumphs of civil rights, it stands as a testament to a history that refuses to be silenced. Yet, recent moves—such as the return of loaned artifacts like a Bible carried during civil rights marches—have sparked fears of a broader purge. Reverend Amos Brown, a San Francisco pastor, called the Smithsonian’s explanation for returning his artifacts “flimsy,” pointing to a chilling atmosphere created by the current administration.
Why the Fight for Black History Matters
The protest wasn’t just about one museum; it was a stand for the right to remember. Civil rights groups, including the NAACP and National Urban League, joined forces to declare that Black history is American history. Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition spoke passionately at the rally, urging the crowd to resist efforts to whitewash the past. Signs reading “History should be taught, not erased” and “I take my history Black” dotted the march, capturing a collective defiance.
This fight extends beyond D.C. In states like Florida, restrictions on teaching Black history and book bans targeting African American narratives have intensified. The NMAAHC, with its unflinching exhibits on slavery, segregation, and resistance, serves as a counterpoint to these efforts. Losing its integrity would ripple across communities, silencing stories that shape identity and justice.
A Timeline of Concern: Key Events Leading to the Rally
To understand the stakes, let’s look at the recent events fueling this movement:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2025 | Trump signs executive order targeting Smithsonian’s “improper ideology.” |
| April 4, 2025 | NMAAHC Director Kevin Young steps down amid growing tensions. |
| April 10-15, 2025 | Reverend Amos Brown notified of artifact returns, sparking outrage. |
| April 28, 2025 | “Freedom to Learn” campaign launches, uniting over 36 civil rights groups. |
| May 3, 2025 | Protestors rally at NMAAHC, vowing to protect Black history. |
These moments reveal a pattern that activists say threatens the museum’s mission. The return of artifacts, like the 1960 Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in exhibit, has been particularly contentious. While the Smithsonian insists these are standard loan expirations, critics argue the timing—post-executive order—suggests political pressure.
Voices from the Ground: Who’s Leading the Charge?
The rally drew a diverse coalition, from pastors to politicians. Reverend Robert Turner of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple AME Church has been a vocal advocate, encouraging his congregation to join the NMAAHC as members for $25 to bolster its defenses. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries penned a letter to the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, comparing Trump’s directive to Nazi tactics—a bold move to rally liberal support. Meanwhile, Vedet Coleman-Robinson, CEO of the Association of African American Museums, emphasized the museum’s role in preserving truth against anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) campaigns.
Social media amplified these voices. Posts on X captured raw sentiment, with users like @gwenmcdonald1 lamenting, “This admin is removing Black history items… because they don’t think our history is worth a damn.” The hashtag #HandsOffOurHistory trended, uniting supporters nationwide.
The Bigger Picture: Black History Under Siege
The NMAAHC isn’t the only battleground. In Boston, the Museum of African American History lost a federal grant in April 2025, threatening its programs. Dr. Noelle Trent, its president, warned that such cuts jeopardize regional stories of Black resilience. Across the country, Black churches are stepping up, paying membership fees to support the NMAAHC and organizing local events to uplift Black museums and libraries.
This struggle mirrors broader cultural battles. Trump’s executive order echoes his earlier criticisms of the museum, despite his 2017 visit during Black History Month. Historians like Keisha Blain of Brown University see these moves as part of a decades-long push to sanitize America’s racial past. The NMAAHC, with its exhibits on the slave trade and civil rights, challenges that narrative head-on.
What’s Next for the Fight to Protect Black History?
The May 3 rally was a starting point, not an endpoint. The “Freedom to Learn” campaign plans nationwide actions to support Black cultural institutions. Activists are calling for public pressure on Congress to investigate Trump’s executive order, with House Democrats already demanding a Smithsonian probe. Meanwhile, the museum’s leadership, under Lonnie Bunch, vows to uphold its mission, emphasizing expertise and accuracy.
For everyday people, the call to action is clear: visit the NMAAHC, join as members, and share its stories. As protestors chanted, “You can’t wash out African American experience because our experience is the American experience.” This fight is about more than artifacts—it’s about ensuring future generations inherit a history that’s whole, unfiltered, and true.
The energy of May 3 lingers. Picture the crowd, signs high, voices loud, marching to a museum that holds not just objects but the soul of a people. Will you join them in saying #HandsOffOurHistory? The past is watching, and the future depends on it.