Episode 09: Protecting Public Memory in a Contested Time with Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson

On this episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Dr. Coleman-Robinson, President and CEO of the Association of African American Museums, joins Race Forward’s Chief of Staff Karla Bruce to discuss the growing scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion, the ripple effects of federal shifts and funding cuts, and how institutions dedicated to preserving history are responding with resilience and purpose. Dr. Coleman-Robinson shares how cultural organizations are staying grounded in their missions, building coalitions, and continuing to document history in real time, even amid political headwinds. At a moment when public memory feels increasingly contested, this conversation underscores why preserving history is not simply about honoring the past, but about safeguarding truth, strengthening community, and protecting democracy in the present.

Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson is President and CEO of the Association of African American Museums (AAAM), the national professional network serving Black museums and cultural institutions across the United States. A historian by training with a doctorate in U.S. History from Howard University, she leads one of the country’s foremost associations dedicated to cultural preservation and institutional advocacy.

She is a nationally recognized voice on the role of museums in democracy and has been featured in outlets including The Washington Post, The New York Times, USA Today, and MSNBC, now MSNOW. Through her leadership at AAAM, she represents and supports cultural institutions across the country navigating questions of public memory, funding, and political scrutiny

Links:

The Association of African American Museums (AAAM)
https://blackmuseums.org/

White House pushes Smithsonian to comply with review to receive federal funding (via CNN)
https://bit.ly/4qXq1j8

Trump interference could have ‘chilling effect across entire museum sector (via Museums Association)
https://bit.ly/4kWpwV9

Cultivating the Next Generation of Black Museum Leaders: The AAAM x Howard University Advanced Executive Training by Dr. Vedet Coleman- Robinson
https://bit.ly/3OYF7r0

Facing Race 2026
https://facingrace.raceforward.org/

Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva, and Cheryl Blakemore