Topic: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and is dedicated to showcasing the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in the United States. The museum officially opened on September 24, 2016, after years of advocacy and planning.
The NMAAHC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It features more than 36,000 artifacts that highlight the experiences of African Americans, from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to achievements in the arts, sports, and sciences.
The museum's unique architecture, designed by David Adjaye, incorporates historical references to African American culture, such as the three-tiered corona shape inspired by the Yoruba people of West Africa and the ornamental bronze lattice that reflects the ironwork created by enslaved African Americans in the American South.
Visitors to the NMAAHC can explore exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, including the Transatlantic Slave Trade, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, African American military service, African American achievements in music and the arts, and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equity.
The museum's mission is to provide a space for learning, reflection, and dialogue about the history and contributions of African Americans in shaping the United States. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of African Americans throughout history.