Outgoing Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch rejected claims that its staff and exhibitions are unpatriotic, arguing slavery is foundational to understanding the US. Hundreds gave him a standing ovation at a Friday event in Washington.
Bunch spoke at the 10th-anniversary event for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he was founding director. Earlier this month, he announced he would step down as secretary at year’s end. The Trump administration issued a report accusing Smithsonian leaders of being “radical activists” and ordered a wide-ranging review of museum content ahead of the US’s 250th anniversary. The Smithsonian operates outside the executive branch under a board of regents.
Bunch told the audience the museum’s history could not be erased and said it would endure. Television producer and board member Shonda Rhimes pledged $1 million to a legacy fund in his honor; the fund was seeded by a $3.5 million anonymous donation and has a minimum goal of $10 million. Acting director Shanita Brackett said it would be dedicated solely to the museum and support inclusion, public engagement and independent scholarship without influence.
