In a Philadelphia Inquirer article discussing how the nation should commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, Monument Lab co-founder Dr. Paul Farber highlighted my work on The Museum of Hidden Genius: An Atlas of Afrotech. This project chronicles the technologies developed by Black inventors, aiming to ensure that these contributions are recognized and celebrated as part of our national history.

The article emphasized the importance of this work in the context of the semiquincentennial, as it represents a critical effort to address the legacies of inequality and injustice that have shaped American society. My project, The Museum of Hidden Genius, is part of a broader movement to ensure that the stories and innovations of historically marginalized communities are not only preserved but also integrated into the fabric of public memory.

The piece also mentioned other initiatives that seek to confront these historical legacies, such as the Sacred Red Rock Project, which focuses on returning a boulder sacred to the Kaw Nation back to its people in Kansas. My work on The Museum of Hidden Genius was presented as an example of how we can use this milestone anniversary to reflect on and address the unfinished business of our democracy, particularly in relation to the contributions of Black Americans.

READ: https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/july-4-2026-250-birthday-slavery-injustice-20240704.html