Books

In a press release, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture announced the publication of a new book celebrating the impact of Black music on American society and the world. The book contains essays and images of artifacts that are part of the museum's permanent collection including items such as a hymnal owned by Harriet Tubman and jazz legend Charlie Parker's saxophone.

News

For decades, EBONY and Jet magazines were the central publications focusing on the lives of Black Americans, making a path for all the bevy of publications and outlets that cater to that demographic. The vast archive of photos between the two celebrated publications was sold at auction for $30 million and will be given to […]

News

The National African American History and Culture Museum found itself in the middle of an explosive Twitter debate regarding cultural historian and museum specialist Timothy Anne Burnside, who happens to be white. With critique cropping up that a white person was the lead for an ongoing Hip-Hop exhibit at the museum, the NMAAHC issued a […]

News

The Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture will transform into the fictional land of Wakanda this October. Items from the hit Marvel film Black Panther will be on display during the Smithsonian African American Film Festival.

GALLERY, News

The Smithsonian Institution and its museums have taken to Twitter to kick off its #SmithsonianCypher to help raise funds for a Hip-Hop anthology.

News

A Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap is in the works.

J. Dilla, News

A couple of items from the late, great J. Dilla‘s production arsenal are heading to the Smithsonian. At the 9th annual DC Loves Dilla event in Washington DC, Dilla’s mother, Ma Dukes, revealed this her son’s MPC sampler and custom Moog will be housed in the Museum Of African American History And Culture.

Politics

Henry Louis Gates Jr., the Harvard professor that made headlines after he was arrested by Cambridge police, is donating the handcuffs used to detain him to the Smithsonian. Gates tells the New York Times that he donated the handcuffs to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture after reconciling with Sgt. James […]

Politics

The wife of former President George W. Bush is taking on a new role, this time as a member of the Smithsonian’s Black History board. With her new position she’ll join the board in charge of raising money for the Smithsonian’s forthcoming National Museum of African American History and Culture scheduled to open in 2015. […]