Historic nomination presents opportunity for greater inclusion of diverse stories throughout the Smithsonian

(Washington, D.C.) – The Friends of the American Latino Museum released this statement commemorating the appointment of Lonnie Bunch III as the next Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution: 

“The Friends of the American Latino Museum extends our sincere congratulations to Lonnie Bunch III on his appointment as the next Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. As an experienced museum professional and historian, Bunch is exceptionally qualified to lead the world’s largest museum and research institution in its mission to educate and inspire the American public and visitors from around the world. Having served as the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Bunch is well aware of the power and importance of inclusive storytelling in our nation’s museums. His leadership and experience make him well-equipped to expand on the Institution’s commitment to an accurate and more complete portrayal of our nation’s diverse heritage, with a particular focus on  American Latino history and culture which remains lacking. 

As the first person of color appointed to the role, Bunch will be the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian. Charged with preserving and celebrating our nation’s heritage, the Smithsonian’s administrative body must reflect the diversity of our origins as well as of our future. We applaud the work of the Smithsonian Board of Regents in the selection of Lonnie Bunch III, and are confident that his legacy of inclusivity and innovation will be a tremendous asset to the institution. 

As Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Bunch’s commitment to honoring African American history on our National Mall led to the creation of a museum that has welcomed over 4 million visitors and contains over 40,000 objects. The success of the National Museum of African American History and Culture demonstrates not only Bunch’s impressive leadership, but the thirst and excitement among the American people for a more complete telling of our nation’s history. It is our hope that Bunch will continue his dedication to including the stories of all Americans in the Smithsonian, and shed more light on  the need to rectify the absence of Latino voices through the creation of a museum celebrating our history and culture on the National Mall.”