Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 18 "And that block I think explains why this museum is so necessary," said Obama. "Because that same object, reframed, put in context, tells us so much more. As Americans, we rightfully passed on the tales of the giants who built this country; who led armies into battle and waged seminal debates in the halls of Congress and the corridors of power. But too often, we ignored or forgot the stories of millions upon mill ions of others, who built this nation just as surely, whose humble elo- quence, whose calloused hands, whose steady drive helped to create cities, erect industries, build the arsenals of democracy." And so this national museum, said Obama, "Helps to tell a richer and fuller story of who we are. Yes, African-Americans have felt the cold weight of shackles and the stinging lash of the field whip. But we've also dared to run north, and sing songs from Harriet Tubman's hymnal. We've buttoned up our Union Blues to join the fight for our freedom. We've railed against injustice for decade upon decade – a life- time of struggle, and progress, and enlightenment that we see etched in Frederick Douglass's mighty, leonine gaze. "Yes, this museum tells a story of people who felt the indignity, the small and l arge humiliations of a 'whites only' sign, or wept at the side of Emmett Till's coffin, or fell to their knees on shards of stained glass outside a church where four little girls died. But it also tells the story of the Black youth and White youth sitting alongside each other, straight-backed, so full of dignity on those lunch counter stools; the story of a six-year-old Ruby Bridges, pigtails, fresh- pressed dress, walking that gaunt- let to get to school; Tuskegee airmen soaring the skies not just to beat a dictator, but to reaffirm the promise of our democracy and remind us that all of us are created equal. "And that's what this day is about," the president concluded. "That's what this museum is about. I, too, am America. It is complicated and it is messy and it is full of contradictions, as all great stories are, as Shakespeare is, as Scripture is. And it's a story that perhaps needs to be told now more than ever." Following the President's speech, many started their tour at the Oprah Winfrey Theater where "Selma" director Ana Duvernay's stunning 22-minute film "28 Days" serves as an orientation to the entire museum. Iva Jean Smith, a poet from Newport News, VA, sat in the second row. "S ince the groundbreaking, I have been waiting to see our heritage documented correctly. The exhibitions depicting our origins in Africa make African-Americans proud of their African roots. What is shown here is a truer picture of our history. Whites are not getting credit for inven- tions we've made." Making their way down to the lower level, some found the exhibitions on slav- ery, and the photos showin g the brutality suffered by marchers during the Civil Rights movement. For some this was overwhelming, though all were uplifted see- ing the achievements depicted by African-Americans against all odds. Courtney Humphrey, 22, a University of Maryland graduate from Bowie, MD, noted, "I wanted more of a general understanding of my history and cul- ture and an appreciation of what it means to be Black in America. Our history definitely has been whitewashed, and this museum is where you can get the story straight. I particularly want to learn about African-American women and their contributions," said the criminal justice major." Many definitely have been overlooked." Dr. Robert Davis, CEO of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, looked at a panel showing the achievements of an African King and said, "I am so excited about what is here and so proud to call Dr. Lonnie Bunch, the director, my friend. During these turbulent times, it is most appropriate for the world to know the contributions of African-Americans to this country." The new museum features an exhibit on the impact of the Black press over the years and drew journalists from around the world. For those interested in visitin g the museum, note that entry is only with a timed ticket, and museum officials have not announced how long timed passes will be required. To reserve tickets, visit nmaahc.si.edu/visit/passes O A w t u q i o s f f t D l o d e s l t e m o s T D N w o s t e R i M t d s t o A A L a c y t n n Photo Credit: PoPMedia Group