“Black brilliance exists in every corner of this nation – from the stage, to the court, to the classroom, to the halls of Congress.”

“I want every single person – certainly every single child – who calls this nation home to walk into our Smithsonian museums, including our beautiful Blacksonian, and see our collective history, accurate history, on display.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Trump’s Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or Blacksonian – and his blatant attempt to erase Black history. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirms Black history is American history, and our nation’s museums should uphold these truths.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks, as delivered, is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump for Attacking Smithsonian Museums, Affirms Black History is American History
U.S. House of Representatives
April 9, 2025

Mr. Chair,

I rise today in vigorous opposition to occupant Trump’s hostile attacks – hostile and insecure attacks – on Black history. 

Black history is American history.

Dictators try to shutter museums, censor history, and white wash the truth. But we know the truth.

We hold these truths to be self evident:

That centuries of bondage and enslavement brutalized black bodies and tore apart Black families;

That Black women have been the mothers of movements;

That Black folks have endured redlining and pay disparities;

And yet still we rise.

Black brilliance exists in every corner of this nation – from the stage, to the court, to the classroom, to the halls of Congress.

I want every single person – certainly every single child – who calls this nation home to walk into our Smithsonian museums, including our beautiful Blacksonian, and see our collective history, accurate history, on display.

I want them to see themselves in our struggles and our triumphs. 

I want them to be inspired by the lyrics of Etta, and the speeches of Malcolm, and the leadership of Fannie Lou.

It is through studying our history that we learn how to overcome the systems of oppression, the whims of petulant men thirsty for power, and the will of dictators.

My blackness is beautiful and Black history is American history.

I yield back.

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