After many years of hard work and determination, the first national museum dedicated to African American culture has opened. The idea of the museum first started with a civil rights movement in 1915.

This movement was led by black Civil War veterans, who believed that African Americans deserved a museum in their honor after many great contributions to the world.

Despite their best efforts, at first, the idea of the museum was dismissed; however, that changed in a short amount of time. Congress got together to formally discuss the idea, and approved the idea in 2003.Since then, construction has started and donations have been accepted.

With time, the museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and welcomed nearly 100,000 people as charter members. That was until Sept. 24, when the doors opened and made history as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is located on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. The NMAAHC serves as a place that reaches out to new audiences beyond Washington, D.C. and explores American values that are reflected in African American history and culture.

During the grand opening of the museum, President Barack Obama made a few remarks on the significance of the museum.

“This is the place to understand how protest and love of country don’t merely coexist, but inform each other.”

Obama also expressed that the museum represents America moving forward, despite the unimaginable difficulty the country has faced this past year.

Actress Zendaya Coleman was also seen visiting the museum along with other monuments dedicated to African Americans and delivered a powerful message:
“Today, I knelt down and touched the ground where the words ‘I have a dream’ were spoken in 1963… we have so much work left to do, I promise I won’t let you down, Dr. King.”

Coleman is one of the many people whom the museum has had an impact on, and as more people get insight on African American culture, the more lives are touched each day.

However, upon the opening of the museum, there has been controversy. Many people are upset over the museum excluding Justice Clarence Thomas from the collection. He overcame many obstacles, such as poverty, family strife and unfathomable racial prejudice, from his time period. It’s unclear whether or not additions will be made in order to honor Thomas and his legacy. Even though there is some controversy behind the museum, there is no doubt that it will be a great addition to the many Smithsonian museums in the US.