A last-minute invite to the Smithsonian African-American Museum in Washington, D.C., is where I spent most of this second day of the new year! My college friend, Laura Murphy, and her husband, Mark, are in town for the swearing-in of a Michigan senator that Laura worked for when the newly elected senator was a Congresswoman the prior six years. They have time built into their schedule to visit iconic places on The Mall. Since they’ve never been to the African-American Museum, they wanted to start with that one and invited me late yesterday to come along.
It was my second or third visit to the museum, and a real treat to accompany Laura and Mark this afternoon. There is a ton of reading and learning about the history and cultural significance, which celebrates the richness and diversity of the African American experience on multiple floors (5) of this fascinating building’s architecture.
From the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, television, Broadway, authors, and sports, there is plenty to celebrate people of color for centuries.
If you haven’t been but perhaps have an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., this museum is one you can’t miss (even if you're only there for an hour or so). The architects designed the classic Greco-Roman base with ornamental bronze-color lattice to pay homage to the intricate ironwork crafted by enslaved African Americans in Louisiana, South Carolina, and elsewhere. It’s next to the Washington Monument and across the street (2) from the White House—you can't miss its location.
Not only did I spend time with close friends, but I was also able to soak in the rich culture of people from all over the world - not all of it was good (that’s the sadness of a lot of it - very, very humble and tragic beginnings). As Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Museum’s founding director, has described it, “This building will sing for all of us.” I sure hope it does and for decades and centuries henceforth.
As we meandered down the long hallways and various galleries, we entered the gallery on the men and women who served in the military. Many artifacts were delicately placed in cases and displayed with honor and dignity. I was especially drawn to the military men who received the Medal Of Honor. I genuinely hoped to discover that Vietnam Veteran (and War Photographer) Nathaniel McBride (I recently made a quilt for his daughter with his dress and flak jackets, plus six T-shirts) was bestowed the highest honor in war. Unfortunately, he wasn’t one of the few with that recognized honor - and the MOH has only been granted to African-American soldiers since 1997!!! Posthumously, many of the MOHs were awarded by then President Bill Clinton - with 94 medals total.
Going back a few centuries in fighting wars on American soil and in foreign wars, it’s only been since 1997 that this particular group was awarded this prestigious honor?? I can’t get this out of my head! However, I’m glad the 94 enlisted, and the many officers of our Armed Forces have finally been awarded this highest honor.
While turning my head in another direction, I couldn’t help but notice the display case of The Six Triple Eight with Commanding Officer (Major) Charity Adams looking over her troops and zoomed over to the case.
I had just watched the film (the same name as the company number) over Christmas and have been intrigued ever since. In 1943, soldiers of every race and creed were under intense fire at the front lines, with little or no morale left.
Sadly, no one received mail from home in months (in both directions) until CO Adams dug her heels in to help in the war effort despite her super insulting and demanding superior officers. Her wicked smarts and resilience paid off. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion had 855 women and was led by Major Adams. It was the only predominantly Black US Women's Army Corps unit sent overseas during World War II. Her company strategically planned to disseminate 17 million pieces of mail to the soldiers, not in the six-month time allotted but in 90 days! (Sorry, spoiler—but still watch!)
For good measure, PLEASE “never underestimate the power of a handwritten note.” I believe the letters from home delivered on the front lines once Major Adams got the green light catapulted our fatigued American soldiers’ spirit for a final push to win the war. Now, that is saying something! With her 855 Army Corps, she Manufactured Sunshine for thousands of our U.S. soldiers! That was a HUGE blessing.
One more thing. The District looks different but reverent, as ALL flags are at half-mast (there are a lot of flags flying in DC) in honor of past President Jimmy Carter. May he R.I.P.
bSoleille!
Terri
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