President Trump has ordered a highly controversial reshaping of the US Smithsonian Institution, claiming he will eliminate what his administration regards as “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” from the world’s largest set of museums, educational and research entities grouped under one institutional umbrella.
On Thursday, March 27th, the president, who has sought to root out what he calls “wokeness” since returning to power in January, accused the Smithsonian of trying to rewrite history on issues of race and gender. In an executive order entitled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History”, he directed the removal of “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from its storied museums.
On Wednesday, April 9th, the Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council® (NPHC®), representing the nine historically Black Greek-lettered Organizations and more than 2.5 million members worldwide, issued a joint statement (see full statement below) strongly opposing any attempt to censor, distort, or dismantle the telling of America’s full and inclusive history. Efforts to withhold funding from the Smithsonian complex, especially the National Museum of African American History and Culture, threaten not only a vital educational resource but also the very integrity of our national narrative.
Here’s a more detailed look at the NPHC’s stance:
- Defense of the Smithsonian and its mission: The NPHC strongly defends the Smithsonian’s mission to preserve and present historical knowledge, particularly the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Opposition to censorship and defunding: The Council opposes any efforts to censor or defund the museum, viewing such actions as a threat to educational resources and the integrity of the national narrative.
- Importance of the museum: The NPHC recognizes the museum’s role in uplifting communities, empowering individuals, and strengthening democracy by providing access to historical narratives.
- Call for support: The NPHC calls on policymakers, educators, and citizens to reject narratives that seek to divide and instead support institutions that preserve history.
- Advocacy for preservation and advancement: The NPHC will continue to advocate for the museum’s preservation and advancement, ensuring its continued ability to share the stories of African Americans.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture serves as a cornerstone in the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture. This history is American history. From slavery to civil rights to the cultural innovations that continue to shape the world, the museum ensures these stories are not forgotten, denied, or politicized. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it has helped us shape this nation.
NPHC® also commends the outstanding leadership of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. As the founding director of the museum and the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Secretary Bunch has championed the power of historical truth to unite, educate, and heal. His dedication to scholarship, accessibility, and equity has elevated the Smithsonian’s mission and broadened its relevance to all Americans.
Letter in Support of Smithsonian Museum – Final by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE on Scribd
The NPHC® was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, DC. The purpose of the NPHC® is to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. Thus, NPHC® promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC®, which collaboratively work together across the United States, and provides leadership training for its constituents. We believe that knowledge uplifts communities, empowers individuals, and strengthens democracy. Secretary Bunch continues in that tradition and reminds us that museums are not merely repositories of the past. They are tools for building a better future.
The NPHC® calls on policymakers, educators, and citizens across the country to reject false narratives that seek to divide us. We must support institutions that honor our collective past and protect our shared future. The National Museum of African American History and Culture plays a vital role in that mission, and we will continue to advocate for its preservation and advancement.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated® (NPHC®) is currently composed of the elected president of each member of the nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta® Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. For more information, visit www.nphchq.com.
