1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

The proposal to remove or minimize the depiction of slavery and its legacy from the National Museum of African American History and Culture is an affront to historical truth and the shared heritage of all Americans. Erasing this crucial part of our nation's story would demonstrate a profound lack of integrity and a disservice to present and future generations seeking to understand our past. We cannot allow revisionism that whitewashes the realities of enslavement and its repercussions, which continue to shape American society today. Such actions undermine the very principles of honesty, transparency, and unflinching examination that museums and educational institutions exist to uphold. To proceed down this path would be an act of betrayal against the people of this nation. We call on lawmakers and citizens alike to reject any attempts to distort or obscure the historical record in this manner. The National Museum of African American History and Culture must be empowered to accurately portray the complete African American experience, including the brutal system of slavery that brought millions to these shores in bondage. Only through unflinching acknowledgment of this past can we reckon with its enduring impacts and strive to build a more just society.