Smithsonian's NMAAHC Unveils HBCU Exhibit Celebrating Black History Excellence
The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC has launched a groundbreaking exhibit titled At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs, in partnership with five historically Black colleges and universities. This initiative comes at a critical time when museums and educational institutions face uncertainty and efforts to limit the acknowledgment of Black history are on the rise.
Exhibit Details and Collaborative Effort
Developed as part of the History and Culture Access Consortium, the exhibit features archival materials and collections from Jackson State University, Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Clark Atlanta University, and Texas Southern University. It will be on display at the NMAAHC through 19 July 2025, after which it will tour each partner university and other requested locations. The HCAC has assisted these institutions in digitizing their archives to enhance public accessibility.
Rare Artifacts and Historical Significance
With over 100 objects on display, the collection includes rare items such as one of the only existing color videos of agricultural scientist George Washington Carver from Tuskegee University. Other highlights include:
- A nursing cape and gown, along with a blood pressure machine, from Florida A&M University's nursing school.
- Archival materials from poet and novelist Margaret Walker Alexander, contributed by Jackson State University.
- Artworks like Frederick Flemister's painting The Mourners from Clark Atlanta University and a ceramic bottle by sculptor Carroll Harris Simms from Texas Southern University.
These items underscore the role of HBCUs as centers for Black arts, political movements, and leadership development since their founding in the 19th century.
Voices from the Archives
Timothy Barber, director of FAMU's Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum, emphasized the importance of preserving Black history. "Our founder, Dr. James N. Eaton, began collecting this history in 1976 to ensure we can tell the story," Barber said. "These archives provide an opportunity for people to research history for themselves, highlighting self-relevance and place in America's fabric."
Angela D. Stewart, an archivist at Jackson State's Margaret Walker Center, noted the exhibit includes personal items from Margaret Walker, such as a first edition of her novel Jubilee, her typewriter, and journals, showcasing her mentorship by literary icons like Langston Hughes.
Cultural and Educational Impact
The exhibit also features marching band paraphernalia, including a drum major shako cap from FAMU's Marching 100 and images from Jackson State's Sonic Boom of the South. Photographs by artists like Doris Derby and Chester Higgins document Black student activism, while artworks by John Biggers and Elizabeth Catlett enrich the display.
Barber added, "Seeing primary source material firsthand allows people to understand the excellence nurtured at HBCUs for generations, reinforcing the importance of knowing one's history to shape the future." This exhibit serves as a vital resource in celebrating and preserving the legacy of Black Americans in education and culture.
