What It Means to Tell the Truth About America

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) faces an uncertain future as President Trump's executive order threatens to remove exhibits deemed "improper," raising concerns about erasing uncomfortable truths in American history. The museum, a vital institution showcasing artifacts like shackles and memorabilia from figures such as Harriet Tubman and Emmett Till, is under scrutiny for its unflinching portrayal of slavery and race relations. Frank Bolden, a docent who lived through the civil-rights era, embodies the museum's mission to connect visitors to real historical struggles—a role that feels more crucial than ever in safeguarding our nation's complex past.