Statement from Mayor Bass on the Retirement of Smithsonian Secretary Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III

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LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement on the retirement of Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch:

"For roughly 100 years, there were efforts to create a national museum dedicated to African American history and culture. It took persistent advocacy, vision, and determination before Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III successfully turned that dream into a reality. The powers that be had doubted whether it could be done. Then they gave him the responsibility of doing it - and he defied all the odds against him.

"Congressman John Lewis led the effort in Congress to win approval and the funding to build the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Dr. Bunch was selected to accomplish what so many before him attempted to do. The impact of the museum has preserved crucial truths, filled major gaps left by mainstream institutions, and showed that Black history is an essential part of the fabric of America.

"In 2019, Dr. Bunch became the first African American and first historian to serve as Secretary of the Smithsonian. His leadership and vision has shaped how generations of Americans understand our nation's history and culture. Dr. Bunch has devoted his career to making sure that America's story is told with honesty, complexity, and dignity. He led the effort to fight against attempts to erase African American history. He did not sugarcoat our history or make it more comfortable for those who would rather look away. Instead, he told the full truth - the painful parts, the triumphant parts, and everything in between.

"It has been an honor to watch Dr. Bunch work! I had the privilege of welcoming him to the Mayor's Office in Los Angeles; seeing firsthand the thoughtfulness, conviction, and care he brings to his work.

"The extraordinary pressure placed on Dr. Bunch and the Smithsonian in recent years is deeply troubling. The Trump administration placed unprecedented limits on the institution by challenging how American history is presented and rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It was phenomenal to watch Dr. Bunch withstand these attacks on him personally while continuing to lead the Smithsonian with dignity and purpose.

"Dr. Bunch's legacy should remind us that history is not something to be feared. It is something to be understood, protected, and passed on. I hope Dr. Bunch knows that his work has mattered. It has mattered deeply. And the work of telling the full American story must continue."