The Coalition For Black Legacy at the Charles H. Wright Museum is speaking out against recent changes made by the museum board. The coalition says they are troubled by the direction the museum is taking and by the departure of former CEO Juanita Moore.
Furthermore, they are asking that more community representatives are added to the museum board, which they claim has too many corporate ties. Also, they would like community members to have a greater say in the selection of the new CEO.
In addition, they are opposed to an exhibition featuring Thomas Jefferson’s plantation, scheduled to be installed in March of 2019. “We are convinced there are exhibitions that would be more appropriate, celebrating our people’s endurance, resilience, and achievements” says the coalition.
The museum’s Chief Operating Officer released this statement:
The mission of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History remains the same - open minds and change lives through the exploration of African American History and Culture. We value feedback, perspectives, and input from the community and have taken steps to address concerns from this particular part of the community. We are also considering how a broader representation of the community can be included and represented.
Plans were laid for the Paradox of Liberty exhibition under the leadership of now-retired president Juanita Moore. It's a powerful exhibit that tells the story of Sally Hemings and other families who were enslaved at the Monticello Plantation - from their perspective. We're proud to work with Gayle Jessup White, a Hemings and Jefferson family descendant, to tell the important, often forgotten stories about these families, their tremendous contributions to our country, and their legacies that live on today."