Museums for Equality: The Time is Now

The senseless murder of George Floyd, the last of a harrowing list, reminds us that there is a long way to achieve racial equality —and the time to act is now.

Museums are not neutral. They are not separate from their social context, the structures of power and the struggles of their communities. And when it does seem like they are separate, that is a choice – the wrong choice. As highly trusted institutions in our societies, museums have the responsibility and duty to fight racial injustice and anti-black racism at all levels, from the stories they tell to the diversity of their personnel.

Behind every museum there are people. Each and every one of us must choose to hold ourselves accountable for our own prejudices and check our own privileges. We must choose to address racism in our own circles, and be open to learn how to better ourselves. We must choose to amplify the voices and achievements of Black communities around the world.

Only two weeks ago, thousands of museums around the world came together to celebrate International Museum Day 2020 under the theme of “Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion”. ICOM urges all museums to join us in keeping the momentum going.