Nothing quite prepares you for a moment like this. I am incredibly honored to be a part of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture (@NMAAHC), which held its grand opening in September 24, 2016 in Washington, DC. I was invited to share a piece of our community's history, the diaspora journey and some of my thoughts on what being African-American means to me. Proud to tell the world I am African-American, Eritrean-American and the daughter of African immigrants. It's a completely surreal feeling to see yourself in a museum. This 3-minute video is a permanent exhibit in the Changing America:1968 and Beyond section, featuring Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995), Opal Tometi (@opalayo), MK Asante (@mkasante), Jeff Johnson (@jeffsnation) and myself. What an honor.
This is what it's all for. This little girl. This moment. This message. She had no idea I was just a few feet away from her watching her watching us. But she stood there, mesmerized. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be a part of a museum, telling my story and our story. But this is why I do the work I do. So that little girls like her can see themselves in the world and discover the full, free, powerful life she deserves. A life bigger than what the world tells her she is allowed. A world where women, people of color and immigrants are treated equally, with equal rights, opportunities and protection. Where dreams are made real and encouraged to grow. I want her to see us and find her power. That's what this is all for. Role modeling. Representation. Validation.