Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sheshe2

(88,096 posts)
Wed Aug 3, 2016, 06:19 PM Aug 2016

Segregated railcar, prison tower anchor Smithsonian black history collection

WASHINGTON — In the underbelly of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture looms an ominous, 21-foot-tall guard tower erected in the 1940s to surveil the yard at Angola Prison, also known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary. A gift from one of the most notorious maximum-security prisons in the nation, the tower is a haunting reminder of a post-Civil War campaign to incarcerate African Americans on spurious charges.


African American History and Culture
Museum Director Lonnie Bunch stands in-front of one of the engravement walls of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Paul Holston, AP

“One of the most important stories we wanted to tell was the impact of the criminal justice system on America,” director Lonnie G. Bunch III said during Monday’s media preview of the Smithsonian’s newest museum.

“Angola began as a slave plantation and evolved into a penal system. This (exhibit) centers on the creation of the convict-lease system where, after slavery, in order to control African Americans, they were arrested on bogus charges. They were then leased out to companies, to the state, to do work. So, even though they were free, it was still like slavery.”

Bunch said aspects of the present criminal justice system reference that history. His task is to make the connection clear when the museum opens to the public on Sept. 24. President Barack Obama will keynote the grand opening ceremonies, 13 years after President George W. Bush signed legislation establishing the museum, which tells the history of the United States through the eyes of African Americans.

“By weaving in contemporary issues, our goal is to help the public realize that this is not a place about yesterday,” Bunch said. “It’s about yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

The contemporary 400,000-square-foot structure, just across the street from the Washington Monument, features a bronze-painted aluminum lattice exterior that harks back to ironwork made by slaves in New Orleans and Charleston.











More: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/07/19/advance-preview-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture/87278412/

One day before I die I would like to go there.


11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Segregated railcar, prison tower anchor Smithsonian black history collection (Original Post) sheshe2 Aug 2016 OP
Shattering. calimary Aug 2016 #1
Thank you, calimary. sheshe2 Aug 2016 #2
Heads will be exploding soon. Nitram Aug 2016 #3
"One day before you die" packman Aug 2016 #4
It's on my bucket list. sheshe2 Aug 2016 #7
A must see stop for me this coming May.... Historic NY Aug 2016 #5
I will go one day, too awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #6
Thanks, awoke. sheshe2 Aug 2016 #8
Wow bettyellen Aug 2016 #9
On my bucket list well. SunSeeker Aug 2016 #10
Camp H... So many lives were lost, directed from that tower. NWCorona Aug 2016 #11

calimary

(84,582 posts)
1. Shattering.
Wed Aug 3, 2016, 07:11 PM
Aug 2016

I'm glad these artifacts are being saved. Because, knowing the denial so much of America keeps itself in, these days, it's nice to have some actual physical concrete proof to show. And some of 'em are so far gone they won't even believe that. But still, proof is nice to have.

Nitram

(24,714 posts)
3. Heads will be exploding soon.
Thu Aug 4, 2016, 08:31 AM
Aug 2016

A long hard look into the darkest corners of American history is not for the fainthearted.

 

packman

(16,296 posts)
4. "One day before you die"
Thu Aug 4, 2016, 12:55 PM
Aug 2016

I sincerely hope it is many, many days before you die that you get to go there.

Historic NY

(38,028 posts)
5. A must see stop for me this coming May....
Fri Aug 5, 2016, 04:02 AM
Aug 2016

one thing Smithsonian does and does well, tell the story.

NWCorona

(8,541 posts)
11. Camp H... So many lives were lost, directed from that tower.
Fri Aug 19, 2016, 12:22 AM
Aug 2016


I hope you get the chance to make it.
Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»African American»Segregated railcar, priso...