Yet once more, the Trump administration has eliminated a public show addressing the historical past of slavery and racism within the United States. This time, an exhibit discussing former President George Washington’s connection to slavery has been dismantled within the metropolis that after served because the nation’s capital, drawing widespread condemnation.
Trump administration removes Philadelphia exhibit on George Washington and slavery
Employees from the National Park Service had been noticed on Thursday dismantling an out of doors exhibit on slavery at Philadelphia’s President’s House Site. The web site, inside Independence National Historical Park, marks the placement the place President George Washington resided whereas Philadelphia served because the capital metropolis for the newly unbiased United States of America. The outside exhibit that was taken aside mentioned the historical past of slavery within the United States and Washington’s personal participation in legally proudly owning enslaved folks. Footage of the exhibition being dismantled was shared broadly on social media.
When requested by Reuters in regards to the elimination, the Department of the Interior confirmed that it was finished to evolve to President Donald Trump’s orders. “The President has directed federal businesses to assessment interpretive supplies to make sure accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared nationwide values,” the division mentioned in an announcement to Reuters. “Following completion of the required assessment, the National Park Service is now taking motion to take away or revise interpretive supplies in accordance with the Order.” Since returning to workplace, Trump’s marketing campaign in opposition to “divisive” materials has led to the elimination of knowledge and reveals regarding slavery, racism and easily the accomplishments and existence of Black folks from museums and parks throughout the United States; even displays situated outdoors of the United States have been eliminated as a result of president’s orders.
Criticism in opposition to Trump ‘attempting to erase our historical past’
The elimination of the slavery exhibition drew condemnation from quite a few sources. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted, “Donald Trump will take any alternative to rewrite and whitewash our historical past. But he picked the incorrect metropolis — and he positive as hell picked the incorrect Commonwealth.” Shapiro added, “We be taught from our historical past in Pennsylvania, even when it’s painful.”
The social media account for California Gov. Gavin Newsom equally criticized the president, stating, “Trump is actually erasing our nation’s historical past.”
Sen. Raphael Warnock commented on the brazenness of the administration, writing, “They’re attempting to erase our historical past they usually’re not even pretending in any other case.”
Famed lawyer Ben Crump posted, “This is completely outrageous! Last 12 months, Trump ordered National Park workers to flag shows that ‘disparage’ America’s previous. Now, crews eliminated plaques honoring 9 enslaved folks as soon as held by George Washington at Philadelphia’s President’s House.” Crump famous the dangerous impression of such removals. “Erasing historical past dishonors the enslaved and misleads future generations!”
Others questioned the timing of the elimination. Allison Wiltz posted, “Removing reveals about slavery per week and a half earlier than Black History Month is intentional.”
Given the monitor report of the Trump administration, the dismantling of the show in Philadelphia seemingly won’t be the final time an exhibit regarding the historical past of Black folks or slavery within the United States will probably be eliminated. As we method Black History Month, the efforts to whitewash American historical past are particularly disturbing.
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