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Smithsonian NMAAHC

@NMAAHC

17 May

@howardlawschool

#OTD in 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled school segregation unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education. For more than a decade, Charles Houston, Dean of @howardlawschool, headed a team of lawyers that challenged the segregation of schools in 4 states & DC. #APeoplesJourney

@howardlawschool

@howardlawschool After Houston’s death, Thurgood Marshall argued a joint appeal of these cases before the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education.
Part of their defense relied on the testimonies and research of social scientists throughout their legal strategy. #APeoplesJourney

@howardlawschool

@howardlawschool In the 1940s, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark designed and conducted a series of experiments known as “the doll tests” to study the psychological effects of segregation on African American children.
Learn more: nyti.ms/2VrPQJi #APeoplesJourney

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Smithsonian NMAAHC

@NMAAHC

18 Dec 20

Ma Rainey, known as the "Mother of the Blues,” is one of the earliest known American professional blues singers. She was born Gertrude Pridgett in Columbus, Georgia, on April 26, 1886.

nmaahc.si.edu/LGBTQ/ma-rainey #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove

At the age of 18, she married William Rainey and the two toured as performers with multiple minstrel and vaudeville shows, including the Rabbit Foot Minstrels. They later separated and Ma Rainey relocated to Chicago. #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove

In the 1920’s Ma Rainey signed a recording contract with Paramount Records. Marketed as “the Mother of the Blues” Ma Rainey was heavily advertised in the Black press, particularly the Chicago Defender. #MaRaineyFilm #APeoplesGroove

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Smithsonian NMAAHC

@NMAAHC

16 Jul 20

At the National Museum of African American History and Culture, we believe that any productive conversation on race must start with honesty, respect for others, and an openness to ideas and information that provide new perspectives.

In that context, we recently unveiled “Talking About Race,” an online portal providing research, studies, and other academic materials from the fields of history, education, psychology, and human development.

Our goal in doing so was to contribute to a discussion on this vitally important subject that millions of Americans are grappling with.

Since yesterday, certain content in the “Talking About Race” portal has been the subject of questions that we have taken seriously.

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Smithsonian NMAAHC

@NMAAHC

4 Jul 20

Beginning with the founding of America, African Americans created new visions of freedom that have benefited all Americans. The paradox of the American Revolution—the fight for liberty in an era of widespread slavery—is embedded in the foundation of the US #ANationsStory #July4th

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and called slavery an “abominable crime,” yet he was a lifelong slaveholder. His statue stands in our Slavery & Freedom exhibition with the names of the 600 men, women and children he enslaved at Monticello. #ANationsStory

The tension between slavery and freedom—who belongs & who is excluded—resonates through the nation's history & spurs the American people to interfere constantly with building "a more perfect union." This paradox was embedded in national institutions that are still vital today.

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Smithsonian NMAAHC

@NMAAHC

19 Jun 20

#OTD in 1865, enslaved African Americans were notified of their freedom by Union troops in Galveston Bay, TX—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Known as #Juneteenth, this day is widely celebrated as the end of chattel slavery in the U.S. #APeoplesJourney

Though it has long been celebrated among the African American community, it is a history that has been marginalized & still remains largely unknown to the wider public. The legacy of #Juneteenth shows the value of deep hope & urgent organizing in uncertain times. #APeoplesJourney

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control, some enslaved people would not be free until much later.

[BLOG] The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth: s.si.edu/2IrWZWG #APeoplesJourney

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Smithsonian NMAAHC

@NMAAHC

3 Jun 20

African American music is rooted in messages of solidarity and protest. The freedom of speech that music allows creates opportunities for individual voices to come together in support of a cause. #APeoplesGroove #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #FreedomSounds

For centuries, black musicians have used their art to speak out for justice & equality. They have raised their voices to oppose racism, apartheid, violence, genocide, & oppression in all its forms. #APeoplesGroove #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #FreedomSounds

Some artists fight for social change throughout their careers because they believe their public prominence brings a social responsibility. Others may be moved to speak out on a particular topic or situation. #APeoplesGroove #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #FreedomSounds

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