Congresswoman Convenes Roundtable and Presser at Boston Museum of African American History

Pressley Recently Demanded Investigation into Trump’s Attack on Smithsonian and Museums, Brazen Attempt to Whitewash History

Roundtable Video | Press Conference Video | Photos

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) convened a roundtable and press conference at the Museum of African American History in Boston to uplift the vital role of museums in preserving our shared history amid Donald Trump’s attack on cultural institutions and his attempts to erase the documented histories of marginalized communities.

Last week, Congresswoman Pressley and Rep. Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, led 69 of their colleagues in demanding an investigation into the impact of Trump’s harmful Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely, the American Art Museum, the American Women’s History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I want every single person to walk into our museums—from the Smithsonians in Washington to the African American History Museum in Boston, to other museums in Massachusetts and beyond—and see our collective, accurate history on full display,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “With occupant Trump and Republicans carrying out a coordinated assault on Black history and the histories of marginalized communities, it’s imperative that we support our local museums in preserving the integrity of American history and culture. I’m so grateful to the African American History Museum and our local leaders for their partnership in pushing back against these harmful attacks and telling this hostile White House: hands off our museums.”

Joining Congresswoman Pressley at the convening were Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Dr. Noelle Trent of the Museum of African American History, Lydia Lowe of the Chinatown Community Land Trust and the Immigrant History Trail, Barry Gaither of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Bethann Steiner and Marc Carroll of the Mass Cultural Council, and local leaders and community members.

“Boston’s cultural institutions and museums are anchors in our communities and critical in fostering belonging for all. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Pressley for her bold leadership in bringing leaders across our cultural sector together and challenging these attacks against our institutions,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our cultural institutions here in Boston and across the country remind us where we have been, where we are now and where we are going. We will continue to partner with Congresswoman Pressley and our Museum leaders to protect and preserve our shared history. Boston has always been a city that stands up for our communities and we will continue our work to make our city a home for everyone.” 

“The Museum of African American History Boston | Nantucket stands as a powerful reminder of the indispensable contributions Black Americans have made to our nation’s history,” said Dr. Noelle Trent, President and CEO of the Museum. “I’m grateful for elected officials like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Maura Healey, the Boston City Council, as well as community leaders, who are committed to standing with us in this ongoing effort. We will not be erased—we will continue to safeguard our truth and honor our legacy, because our stories are foundational to the American story.”

“As the Commonwealth’s state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council thanks Congresswoman Pressley for convening this morning’s conversation. We believe in the power of culture and that the arts, humanities, and sciences are a public good. Public investment at the federal level is threatened in our sector and today the Congresswoman shined a light on the dangers of this decision. This is a $29 billion economic sector in Massachusetts. Arts and culture means creativity, good health, and a strong and vibrant economy,” said Marc Carroll, Chair, Mass Cultural Council.

“As an Asian American member of Boston’s Commemoration Commission, which is focusing on sharing the untold stories of our nation’s 250th anniversary, I am grateful to Congresswoman Pressley and Mayor Wu for standing up for truth telling and a national story that includes us all,” said Lydia Lowe of the Chinatown Community Land Trust and the Immigrant History Trail. “We need to learn from our history in order to make a better future.”

To view photos from today’s convening, click here. For video of the roundtable, click here. For video of the press conference, click here.

Last month, Rep. Pressley spoke out on the House Floor condemning the Executive Order and affirming that Black history is American history. Rep. Pressley has also joined Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01) and 126 of their colleagues urging President Trump to reconsider his executive order dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Congresswoman Pressley also joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and their Massachusetts delegation colleagues demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s staffing cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and attempts to cancel NEH grants in Massachusetts and across the country.

Rep. Pressley has been an outspoken champion for intellectual freedom and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and she has been on the front lines of the fight against Trump and Republicans’ efforts to ban books and erase Black history.

In April, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech slamming Trump’s attack on Smithsonian museums and affirming that Black history is American history.

Rep. Pressley is also the author of the Books Save Lives Act legislation to confront the rise of book bans in America and ensure inclusive learning environments.

Earlier this year, amid the unprecedented onslaught against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the Trump Administration, Congresswoman Pressley re-introduced H.R. 40, legislation to establish a federal commission to examine the lasting legacy of slavery and develop reparations proposals for African American descendants of enslaved people.

Last year, Rep. Pressley and House Oversight Ranking Member Jamies Raskin introduced the Federal Government Equity Improvement Act and the Equity in Agency Planning Act to codify racial equity across federal agencies and improve government services for underserved communities.

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