Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III
(si.edu)
NEA recognizes Founding Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Dr. L.G. Bunch III
Dr. Bunch is among a dozen recipients of prestigious NEA Human and Civil Rights Award
Minneapolis – As the founding director of the Smithsonian National
Museum of African History and Culture (NMAACH), Dr. L.G. Bunch, III has
transformed the understanding of African-American history for
generations to come. Bunch has not only created a place for America to
honor and celebrate the African-American story, but a place that
encourages reflection, dialogue and understanding. That’s why tonight
the NEA is honoring Dr. Bunch with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award.
“The human and civil rights champions we honor tonight are the
epitome of the fierce urgency of now that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
spoke about in his ‘I have a Dream speech,’” said NEA President Lily
Eskelsen García.
“Through their deeds and actions, they have demonstrated remarkable
courage and conviction to stand up for racial and social justice. They
have shown an unrelenting resolve and ferocity to make a real difference
for public education, students, and our nation’s future. They are
shining examples of social justice activism, fighting against injustices
every day, and making sure that our great nation lives up to its
promise.”
As the Founding Director, Dr. Bunch was given the mandate to
conceptualize, build and lead the NMAAHC. His fearlessness, optimism,
and infectious enthusiasm have led to the creation of the largest
collection of African-American artifacts ever gathered in one place. The
Museum brings together the shackles of an enslaved child, Harriett
Tubman’s hymnal, the dress Lena Horne wore in Stormy Weather, Chuck
Berry’s Cadillac and even the Parliament-Funkadelic Mothership.
Dr. Bunch took the challenge of creating the NMAAHC with an
understanding that he was creating a view of America through the lens of
the African American experience. The museum would give people the
opportunity to realize that we are more alike than we are different. The
museum is a shared history of truth about black Americans, and more
importantly about America.
Dr. Bunch brought this vision of history – of remembrance – to life
in the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he
first collected, then transformed an extraordinary group of artifacts
into an urgent, powerful and profound illumination of the American
story.
Bunch was among the dozen individuals and organization, including the
First Lady Michelle Obama and Know Your Rights Camp, founded by
professional quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick, honored at NEA’s
2018 NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards, which took place on Sunday, July 1, in Minneapolis, Minn.
The merger of the NEA and the American Teachers Association in 1966
produced the annual NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards. Since the merger,
NEA has recognized and honored educators, individuals, community
partners, and organizations that are advancing the mantle for human and
civil rights.
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