African Americans
NASA names a building for a pioneering African American
NASA will name its headquarters in honor of Mary Jackson, the agency's first female African American engineer. Find out more about her legacy.
America’s first black Marines: The Montford Pointers
Meet America's first black Marines, known as the Montford Pointers, and learn how they got their name.
Americans march
Marching and protesting are integral aspects of what it means to exercise freedom of speech and what it means to stand together in unity.
Juneteenth: Remembering the end of slavery
Learn about Juneteenth, an African American holiday that celebrates what historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. calls "the shining promise of emancipation."
U.S. museum helps Americans discuss race
Following widespread outcry after George Floyd's death, the Smithsonian released a portal to help Americans talk about race. More on why this matters.
Ida B. Wells receives posthumous Pulitzer Prize
Ida B. Wells has been honored for her outstanding and courageous reporting on lynching in America. Read on to learn more about her work and legacy.
The power of the ballot [video]
The United States has embraced democracy throughout its history. See how the country has expanded the right to vote to empower its citizens.
These African-American women helped in World War I
Learn about the African-American women who, during World War I and its aftermath, supported black American soldiers stationed in France.
Smithsonian makes millions of images free to the public
Learn more about how you can freely download and use newly released images from the Smithsonian Institution's online database.