Former Staffers Accuse Smithsonian National Museum of African Art of Racist Culture, Demand Curator's Resignation
A group of ten former staff and board members from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art has charged the institution with promoting a 'culture of racism.' In correspondence directed to Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch III, they outlined a harmful atmosphere characterized by racial bias, hostility, and microaggressions. They urged the resignation of deputy director Christine Mullen Kreamer, claiming she showed favoritism towards white employees while bullying Black staff. Additionally, they criticized former director Gus Casely-Hayford for his lack of action. A former employee pointed out that only five out of 40 staff members were Black, with no Black curators in over ten years. The letter requests a pay equity plan, a review of job losses, and improved career opportunities. Bunch committed to an investigation, asserting that racism has no place in the institution.
Key facts
- Ten former staffers and board members accused the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art of a 'culture of racism'.
- The letter was sent to Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch III, detailing a toxic workplace with racial bias and hostility.
- Signatories called for the resignation of deputy director and chief curator Christine Mullen Kreamer over alleged racism and mismanagement.
- Former director Gus Casely-Hayford was criticized for inaction on improving the situation for Black staff.
- A former employee claimed only five out of 40 full-time staff were Black, with no Black curators for over 10 years.
- The demands include a pay equity plan, review of job losses, and improved career advancement for Black employees.
- Lonnie Bunch pledged to investigate and stated there is no room for racism at the Smithsonian.
- On May 31, Bunch issued a statement on racial justice amid protests over George Floyd's murder.
Entities
Artists
- Christine Mullen Kreamer
- Lonnie Bunch III
- Gus Casely-Hayford
Institutions
- Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
- Smithsonian
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- V&A East
- New York Times
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom