The National Museum of African American History and Culture had a noose placed on the grounds of a Smithsonian museum, for the second time in less than a week.
The first incident occurred on Saturday with a noose being placed on a tree outside of the Hirshhorn Museum. On Wednesday, a noose was put in the middle of an exhibit on segregation. At this time, it’s not known whether the incidents are related.
“The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity; a symbol of extreme violence for African Americans,” Museum director Lonnie Bunch said. “Today’s incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face.”
Ultimately, it was a strong statement by Bunch.
And, the Smithsonian’s secretary, David Skorton, sent an institution wide email, according to Complex. He said that everyone at the Smithsonian’s museums and research centers condemns the racist attack.
“Our museum is a place of learning and solace, a place to remember, to reflect and to engage in important discussions that help change America,” Bunch said. “This was a horrible act, but it is a stark reminder of why our work is so important.”
The chaos from the second incident caused the museum to be closed up approximately three hours, according to Complex.
“The Smithsonian family stands together in condemning this act of hatred and intolerance, especially repugnant in a museum that affirms and celebrates the American values of inclusion and diversity,” Skorton said. “We will not be intimated. Cowardly acts like these will not, for one moment, prevent us from the vital work we do.”
All in a week’s work, we’ve seen one of the most known African Americans, Lebron James, become a victim of racism, and also the entire race as well with “museum-gate”.
Let’s do better next week, America.
