Embracing Diverse Voices: A Call for Change, and Healing, in Museums

I’ve always been struck by the profound duty museums and cultural organizations carry in our world. They are obliged to embrace this responsibility with sincerity and a collective commitment to authenticity, respect, and mutual understanding within this field. I believe that by prioritizing cultural sensitivity, a willingness to learn, and humility, museums can transcend the traditional role they’ve played for centuries and can become spaces of healing, empathy, and unity in our increasingly diverse world.

As a person of color working in the museum field for the past decade, I've come to realize that I view museum objects through a unique lens—one shaped by my cultural background and professional experiences. When I gaze upon an object or visit a historical site, I am transported to the era it inhabited, enveloped in a profound sense of awe and reverence, and sometimes of guilt and pain. It's important to note that I don't speak for all people of color; this is solely my personal opinion and perspective.

Objects within museums are not, to me, merely artifacts; they embody fragments of lived experiences, carrying the essence of individuals and cultures. For me, each piece holds profound significance, extending far beyond its aesthetic or historical value. Whether it's a suit of armor, a necklace, a painting, or a stone tool, every item harbors an essence, a narrative waiting to be unraveled. They encapsulate the spirit of the individuals who once interacted with them, bearing the mark of the hands that meticulously crafted them. These objects, for me, represent an extension of humanity, forging a tangible connection to our collective past.

In my culture, we are taught to approach the world with humility and respect, recognizing a deeper connection beyond religious rituals. Every object, regardless of its use or aesthetic appeal, is deemed sacred. Every living creature, every element on earth is considered sacred—not in the manner organized religion deems sacred, but in a way that reflects the interconnectedness of humanity and the purpose imbued in every element of existence. I’ve found this to be true, not just in my culture, but also through my research and travel experiences across various cultures around the world. This sense of sanctity serves as a unifying force among people, transcending cultural divides.

It's crucial for museums to acknowledge the unifying force of sanctity and respect while striving for inclusivity in their presentation and interpretation of objects. Equally important is introspection within the organization to recognize diverse staff needs and work towards inclusivity and equity. To achieve this, understanding the perspectives and core values of individuals like myself is essential.

Let me give you an example of what I mean by understanding diverse perspectives. Standing before masterpieces like Michelangelo's David, I am not preoccupied with European standards of beauty or filled with resentment or frustration over its influence on my culture. Instead, I marvel at the divine craftsmanship and the artist's ingenuity, feeling a spiritual connection to the masterpiece before me. Even when faced with artifacts looted from my homeland, I cannot deny the reverence they command. They serve as a poignant reminder of my heritage, echoing the stories and struggles of my ancestors. Despite my indignation at their displacement, the energy and significance they bear remain palpable. I find myself capable of respecting their caretakers, acknowledging the power inherent in these objects, be it good or bad, to compel their caretakers to do the right thing.

This ability to hold respect for the “other” is not a sign of weakness; rather, it arises from an inner knowing of what's right and wrong and an inherent belief in the eventual resolution of challenges, despite the cacophony of a capitalist world.

I also draw from a cultural wisdom that assures me that while others may seize material possessions and impose stereotypes, they cannot eradicate the essence that defines me—a shared essence that has always been open to mutual giving and understanding. This recognition empowers me to navigate adversities with resilience and authenticity, holding steadfast to values that transcend superficial judgments and material pursuits.

Museums, I ask you to capture this essence in your work, both in the eyes of your audience and within your institutions. While meticulously crafted object labels offer valuable historical and contextual information, I encourage you to recognize the deeper significance of these objects and strive for inclusivity in their presentation and interpretation. As a person of color, I urge you to embrace the unique perspective people like me bring when viewing museum objects.

You already know that in order to cultivate enduring interest in the stories you tell, they must resonate with the audience's own experiences. I’m here to tell you that authenticity, transparency, and empathy in object interpretation foster an immediate connection with your audience, it makes them feel seen. Otherwise, they may find themselves, like me, admiring with reverence yet still feeling like outsiders in their own cultural narrative.

Moreover, it's not solely about the exhibitions you curate but also about the internal workings of your institutions. Are you embodying the core values of transparency, authenticity, and empathy in your day-to-day interactions with your staff? The demographic landscape is shifting, with a younger and less homogenous workforce emerging. This is the future, whether you embrace it or not. Failure to adapt may lead to regret.

It's not too late to reignite the emotion of respect and reverence that lie dormant within us. Let's remember how to appreciate and respect both objects and people who differ from us. If my perspective appears too emotional, unconventional, or “exotic”, consider the true essence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It's not about token gestures like hiring a person of color or implementing superficial restitution practices; rather, it's about respecting diverse viewpoints even when they challenge our understanding.

It's crucial to embrace the discomfort these dialogues evoke. Trust me, it hasn't been easy for me to write this either. But we're united in this endeavor, bound together for the museum's future—every staff member, supervisor, volunteer, manager, director, board member, and donor alike. I also stand on the shoulders of everyone who raised their voices before me and want to acknowledge my gratitude to them.

Let’s encourage each other to listen, empathize, and refrain from judgment and mockery. Otherwise, we risk mirroring historical figures who disregarded indigenous cultures and labeled their peoples as "savages" in pursuit of wealth and fame. DEI values are basic tenets of humanity, ingrained within each of us from birth but at risk of being forgotten along our journeys.

I also understand the difficulty of breaking free from centuries of colonial storytelling and embracing a more nuanced and time-intensive approach to narrative transformation. It's hard to relinquish what has worked for so long in favor of something more challenging to even comprehend. It’s hard to let go of the ego that gave us power, status, and applause. However, I urge you to understand the consequences if you fail to embrace this change. The tipping point is not on the horizon; it's already upon us.

I acknowledge my complicity in this matter; we're constantly bombarded with capitalist and materialistic influences, obstructing our ability to act authentically. For years, I succumbed to the colonialist, capitalist hustle culture, remaining silent and small, letting my voice be drowned out by the loudest in the room. Yet, I've come to realize that sometimes, the loudest voice is neither right, nor is it ready to listen.

It has taken me some time to recognize that this loud voice, which refuses to listen or acknowledge, stems from fear: fear of alienation, loss of societal status, or exposure to vulnerability.

Now, despite those same fears of alienation, societal loss, and vulnerability, I am determined to speak up. It is evident that no one is going to profit in the long run if we don’t change the current situation. It’s time for collective healing.

So this time, let’s do things differently. I ask you to listen when voices like mine are raised. These voices belong to your staff, your docents, your volunteers, and your audience—the very individuals who possess the capacity to shape the destiny of your museum. Take the time to ask them genuinely what they want from leadership and from their craft. Beyond considerations like pay hikes, flexibility, and benefits, inquire about their deeper desires and fears. By starting with the fundamentals, addressing tangible requests becomes more feasible and meaningful progress can be achieved.

As I mentioned, this not a simple task—change never is. But it is achievable. It all boils down to setting genuine intentions and wholeheartedly committing to them. When the intention is sincere, you'll discover that your staff and your audience will naturally follow suit.