Thank you, Lonnie Bunch
JANS – Retiring Secretary of the Smithsonian Museum, Lonnie G. Bunch III, was honored last week for much more than becoming both the first historian and the first African American to serve as Secretary in the Smithsonian’s 180-year history.
With nearly four decades of service to the Smithsonian, which includes 21 museums and the National Zoo, Bunch is regarded as one of the 100 most important figures in American museum history. “We are more than proud of you. You are our HERO, Sir!” remarked historian Pamela Junior, former Executive Director, Two Mississippi Museums.
Bunch’s vision to preserve American history and culture includes designing the historic National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) building on the National Mall. He also led the massive project by securing $250 million from Congress and raising $500 million in private funds.
The NMAAHC celebrated its 10th Anniversary September 24-27, 2026, with back-to-back events on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Thursday’s gala honored Smithsonian Secretary Bunch and others (Kinshasha Holman Conwill, founding deputy director, NMAAHC; Donnette Cooper, Esq., NMAAHC first donor; Kenneth L. Chenault; Linda Johnson Rice; and Richard D. Parsons, posthumously) whose contributions expand the nation’s access to scholarship, art, and artifacts. Entertainment was provided by Yolanda Adams; The Amours; Nikki Finney; Earth, Wind & Fire; MC Lyte; Eric Roberson; and the cast of The Wiz.
On Friday, the Secretary held his “Understanding America” fireside chat in conversation with surprise guest American television producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, and moderated by CNN’s Laura Coates, to discuss the journey of the museum’s first decade.
On Saturday, attendees of all ages engaged with various public programs at the museum, which extended to The Wharf at “The Purple Ball: Echoes of The Pearl”, a fundraising affair at the Anthem concert hall that also honored the 77 freedom seekers on the Pearl schooner in 1848.
The weekend concluded with “Violet Vibes: A Community Celebration” which featured all-day and evening performances and activations at The Wharf and The Anthem. Overall, “The Reunion” lineup of events reflected the museum’s enduring mission to connect, captivate, and inspire more than 14 million visitors, and counting, with the rich but complex history of America.
