Head of African American Museum Resigns Amid Trump’s Smithsonian Critique

Kevin Young Steps Down as Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

In a noteworthy development announced on Friday, Kevin Young, the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), has decided to step down from his position after a four-year tenure. This change in leadership comes at a time when the museum is facing increased scrutiny from political circles, notably from President Trump, who has issued an executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution and its various branches, including NMAAHC.

Young’s departure stemmed from a desire to devote more time to his writing endeavors, signaling a return to the literary world in which he has made a significant mark. He continues to hold the position of poetry editor at The New Yorker, a testament to his commitment to the literary arts alongside his museum responsibilities. According to the museum’s statements, Young officially announced his decision to leave the museum, which he initially did by taking personal leave on March 14, prior to the executive order’s issuance. During his absence, Shanita Brackett, the museum’s associate director of operations, has been serving as the interim director.

Kevin Young’s appointment to the NMAAHC was notable. When he took the helm in 2020, he was already a distinguished figure in the world of literature, serving as the director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a division of the New York Public Library, as well as the poetry editor for The New Yorker. His work at the museum, which officially opened its doors in 2016, focused on telling the African American story in a way that resonates with all Americans. Young succeeded Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was the museum’s founding director and in 2019 became the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the most senior position within the organization.

Prior to his leadership at the Schomburg Center, Young spent over a decade as a professor of creative writing and English at Emory University in Atlanta, where he curated a notable collection of poetry and literary works. His reputation as a poet, archivist, author, and editor has made him a respected voice in both academic and cultural circles.

Young’s exit from the museum coincides with President Trump’s recent executive order to reshape the Smithsonian, which Trump has described as needing to become a symbol of "inspiration and American greatness." The order specifically singled out the African American history museum, suggesting it might undergo particular scrutiny under Trump’s administration. This executive order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” reflects Trump’s concerns over what he perceives as a "revisionist movement" that seeks to undermine the achievements of the United States by portraying foundational principles in a negative light.

In the executive order, Trump accused the Smithsonian of having adopted a "divisive, race-centered ideology" and criticized the institution for supposedly promoting narratives that portray American values as inherently harmful. This has raised questions about the future direction of the museum under the new political climate.

For Lonnie G. Bunch III, the current secretary of the Smithsonian and Young’s predecessor, this landscape poses unique challenges. Bunch, who was not informed about the executive order prior to its release, sent an email to Smithsonian employees expressing a commitment to continue telling the complex stories of the nation’s heritage amidst potential pressures from the administration. He has received widespread praise for his leadership in establishing the African American museum, but there are signs indicating that he will face significant scrutiny moving forward. Recently, Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, labeled Bunch as a "failure," adding to the stakes surrounding the museum’s leadership and direction.

As the Smithsonian and its branches navigate this tumultuous political environment, the departure of Kevin Young marks a significant transition for the NMAAHC. With Shanita Brackett currently serving as interim director, the museum will soon need to identify a new visionary leader who can uphold its mission of sharing the African American experience with all Americans while addressing the challenges and expectations set forth by the current administration.

In summary, Kevin Young’s decision to leave the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture highlights a crucial moment in the institution’s history, one that is marked by both personal aspirations and broader socio-political dynamics. His contributions to the museum and the literary world will no doubt leave a lasting impact as he embarks on this next chapter of his career. The future of the NMAAHC remains uncertain as it faces the challenges posed by political influences, but it remains committed to its foundational mission of education and representation.