Source: Time
By @m_rhodan & @katiemacreilly
President Barack Obama praised the coexistence of “protest and love of country” on Saturday during the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, an occasion marked by reflections on the current racial tensions across the country.
“This is the place to understand how protest and love of country don’t merely coexist but inform each other, how men can proudly win the gold for their country but still insist on raising a black-gloved fist, how we can wear an ‘I can’t breathe’ T-shirt and still grieve for fallen police officers,” Obama said, addressing thousands of visitors who had gathered on the National Mall for the ribbon cutting ceremony, the culmination of a century of work aimed atcommemorating the contributions of African Americans.
Obama wiped a tear from his cheek as he spoke about someday bringing a grandchild to tour the National Mall, viewing the Lincoln Memorial as well as the new museum.
“It is in this embrace of truth, as best as we can know it, in the celebration of the entire American experience, where real patriotism lies,” Obama said, referencing part of President George W. Bush’s speech. “It is an act of patriotism to understand where we’ve been, and this museum tells the story of so many patriots.”
Categories: America, The Muslim Times, USA