| National African American Museum Editorial |
Washington Post
Saturday, February 23, 2002
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
An African American Museum on the Mall
The proposed National Museum of African American History and Culture can be an antidote to the legacy of hatred aimed at Black people, but it is crucial that it be located on the National Mall where scores of visitors travel each year.
For too long, African American achievements, especially the brilliant inventions that helped change this nation and the world have been diminished and overlooked.
For example, in the early 1900s, Lewis Latimer helped light up the world with his carbon-filament invention for the light bulb. In 1893, Daniel Hale Williams performed the fist successful heart surgery in America.
And in the early 1970s, an African American, Henry Simpson, developed the cellular phone.
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| Frederick Douglass IV @ Capitol |
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| Through this museum on the Mall, Americans and the rest of the world will learn the real story of African Americans -- and put aside the gang-banging images of tleevisioon and the big screen. Education and respect would chase away their hatred and feat and foster a sense of self worth among African Americans.
But unless these stories of achievement are preserved, displayed and taught, African American history will fade into obscurity. that's a price none of us can afford.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS IV
President, Friends of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
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| Across the Aisles, FDIV Worked With National Leaders to Insure Passage of Legislation (H.R. 3491) to establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act |
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| Friends of the NMAAHC |
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| Bi-Partisan Support for Legislation to Establish National African American History Museum
Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA ) announces his support during press conference introducing legislation to establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to be located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Participants in the ceremony included (l-r): Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS); Rep. J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK); Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), originator of the legislation; Sen. John Edwards (D-NC); Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY); Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA); Frederick Douglass, IV great-great grandson of famed abolitionist and orator; Art Monk, former Washington Redskins star receiver; Mark Mitchell, historian and owner of one of America largest private collections of rare African American documents; Charles Mann, former Washington Redskins star defensive lineman; and James Henson, Sr., Esq., descendant of polar explorer Matthew Henson, and Underground Railroad conductor Josiah Henson.
“Friends of the NMAAHC” Frederick Douglass, IV, President
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