Smithsonian Museum Turns American History Into Social Justice Showcase

Clear Facts

• The Smithsonian National Museum of American History Entertainment Nation Exhibit features displays centered on race, gender, and identity politics rather than achievement-focused historical narratives
• Exhibits include a 2010 Phoenix Suns immigration protest jersey, a hijab from an ice skating competition, and memorabilia from rapper Nipsey Hussle, a self-proclaimed gang member
• The museum’s displays on Bill Russell and other athletes emphasize racial activism over athletic accomplishments and historical significance

The Smithsonian Institution, long regarded as America’s premier historical museum system, is facing growing criticism for exhibits that frame the nation’s past through the lens of oppression and identity politics. A tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History reveals displays that prioritize social activism over the celebration of American achievement.

The Entertainment Nation Exhibit, focused on sports, television, and music, showcases what critics describe as revisionist history centered on race and gender grievances. Rather than highlighting American excellence and innovation, many displays emphasize division and alleged discrimination.

One prominent display features a basketball jersey from the 2010 “Los Suns” protest, when the Phoenix Suns challenged Arizona’s immigration enforcement law. The museum’s placard states:

“In solidarity with the Latinx community, the Phoenix Suns basketball team challenged Arizona’s new immigration law on the court.”

The explanation continues with a politically charged characterization of the state law. “In 2010 Arizona empowered police to question anyone on their immigration status, in effect targeting any Spanish-speaking person with brown skin,” the placard claims, adding that the professional team described the law as violating “our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law.”

The exhibit also features a hijab worn by the first Muslim woman to win a major ice skating competition while wearing the religious head covering. Another display connects a 2014 “X-Men” movie to the Black Lives Matter movement.

“As #BlackLivesMatter went viral in the summer of 2014, one of the first Black woman superheroes was fighting discrimination on the big screen,” the placard reads.

The writing describes how the main characters in the film faced discrimination for “being different.” Halle Berry, the lead actress, has her costume featured in the museum.

The exhibit pays homage to the television show “Glee,” which ran for six seasons. Its placard describes the show as celebrating “the arts, and, most importantly, humanity.”

“The television series Glee told the story of a fictional high school glee club comprised of a diverse group of students: Black, white, Asian, straight, LGBTQ+, disabled, brassy, rebellious, shy, and geeky,” the placard states.

“Even as they grappled with navigating interpersonal conflicts and developing their identities as young adults, they came together to support each other and sing as one—exemplifying the motto on a plaque in their school auditorium: ‘See the world not as it is, but as it should be,'” it continues.

An exhibit focused on the 1960s and 70s mentions NBA legend Bill Russell’s athletic greatness, but emphasizes his racial activism over his sports achievements. The placard’s title reads:

“Bill Russell was a defensive powerhouse on the court who played offense against racism.”

“Bill Russell redefined defensive play, blocking shots and capturing rebounds. The five-time MVP led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships as he championed civil rights,” the placard says.

“In 1961 Russell led Black teammates in a protest against racial discrimination, staging the first NBA game boycott.”

Perhaps most controversial is a display featuring memorabilia from rapper Nipsey Hussle, including a gold chain, sweatshirt, and handwritten lyrics. The rapper, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was a self-proclaimed member of the Rollin’ 60s Crips gang and frequently rapped about violence and drugs.

“Nipsey Hussle’s political ethos was as strong as his rap,” the museum’s placard states.

“Raised in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, Grammy Award-winning rapper Nipsey Hussle made his mark through music, activism, and business savvy,” it continues.

“As an artist, Hussle’s lyrics painted vivid pictures of West Coast life filled with insights well beyond his years. As an activist, he mentored and inspired a generation to become politically engaged. And as an entrepreneur, he chose to reinvest millions into the streets that raised him. Despite his untimely passing, his spirit of dedication, self-reliance, and community empowerment continues to resonate.”

The museum’s description of an “untimely passing” omits critical context. Asghedom was shot and killed by Eric Holder Jr., a fellow Rollin’ 60s gang member, after Asghedom confronted him and accused him of being a police informant. An enraged Holder produced a handgun and killed Asghedom while wounding several others.

Additional displays include a jersey worn by Jason Collins, the first active and openly gay NBA player, a hat worn by Dr. Anthony Fauci when he threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game during COVID-19 shutdowns, and a skateboard highlighting the struggles of female skateboarders in a male-dominated sport.

The Smithsonian did not respond to requests for comment.

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