The African American History Museum in Washington, D.C.—fondly nicknamed The Blacksonian—is a stunning achievement. From its architecture to the wealth of artifacts and immersive exhibits, it’s a place every member of the African Diaspora should experience.

But after spending over six hours exploring its halls, I left with a sense of awe and frustration.

Here’s my main gripe: Why does this museum start Black history with slavery?

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A Dangerous Narrative

Slavery isn’t Black history—it’s an interruption of Black history. Yet, the Blacksonian begins its narrative in the 1400s with the transatlantic slave genocide. This skips over thousands of years of African excellence, innovation, and contributions to humanity.

Where are the stories of:

• The empires of Mali, Songhai, and Benin?
• The intellectual brilliance of Timbuktu’s universities?
• The advancements in science, mathematics, and engineering from ancient Kemet to Ethiopia?

These are the stories that inspire. These are the truths that connect us to a legacy far greater than the trauma of enslavement.

Instead, the museum reinforces a narrative of dependency—painting our ancestors as victims without celebrating the brilliance and resilience they possessed before the world’s greatest holocaust.

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A Call for Change

This isn’t just about correcting a museum display—it’s about rewriting the narrative for our children, our communities, and the world.

We need a Blacksonian that tells the whole story:

• The legacy of African civilizations before the European invasions.
• The intellectual property, skills, and culture that were stolen from Africa along with its people.
• The unbroken spirit of those who endured and rebuilt.

That’s why I’m calling for a letter-writing campaign to demand a fuller, richer history be included in this important institution.

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What’s Next?

Let’s be clear—the African American History Museum is an incredible space, and I encourage everyone to visit. But we can’t settle for a narrative that starts at the lowest point of our history.

📖 Want to learn the real story of our people? Check out Urban Intellectuals’ Black History Flashcards, which explore African excellence from 35,000 BCE to today: Black History Flashcards Here

📲 Join the Conversation: I’m inviting YOU to share your thoughts and join the discussion over on Sankofa Universe, our mission-driven social media network: Sankofa Universe

Together, we can ensure future generations learn the truth—not just the parts history books want us to know.

Love, peace, and power to the people!