Protesters demand restoration of slavery exhibit in Philadelphia

Activists and officials fight to bring back display examining slavery's role in nation's history

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:47pm

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A group of protesters braved the cold in Philadelphia to demand the restoration of a slavery exhibit that was recently removed from Independence National Historical Park. The outdoor exhibit, which opened in 2010, examined the paradox of slavery and freedom at the site where Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived with enslaved people. Organizers and city officials have joined a lawsuit seeking to have the exhibit reinstated, arguing that the stories of Black Americans must be told.

Why it matters

The removal of the slavery exhibit has sparked outrage among activists and local leaders who see it as an attempt to whitewash history and deprive the public, especially students, of an important educational opportunity. The exhibit's dismantling follows a directive from President Trump to federal agencies to review historical materials for "accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared national values", raising concerns about the politicization of history.

The details

The National Park Service removed the displays last week following the presidential directive. A few dozen protesters gathered on Wednesday to voice their opposition to the removal, organized by the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, one of the groups that helped create the original exhibit. Attorneys and the Pennsylvania governor have joined the city's lawsuit seeking to have the exhibit restored, arguing that "Black people were enslaved. Black people built this country. The stories should be told." Federal officials have responded to the city's request for a preliminary injunction, stating that the government cannot be compelled to convey a message against its will.

  • The outdoor slavery exhibit opened in Independence National Historical Park in 2010.
  • The exhibit was removed by the National Park Service last week following a directive from President Trump.
  • Protesters gathered on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to demand the restoration of the exhibit.

The players

Avenging the Ancestors Coalition

One of the groups that helped create the original slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park.

Michael Coard

An attorney representing the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition in the lawsuit seeking to restore the exhibit.

Cherelle Parker

The mayor of Philadelphia, who has released a video detailing the city's stance on the removal of the exhibit.

Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania, who has joined the city's lawsuit to have the exhibit restored.

Carmela Detoma

A schoolteacher who attended the protest, arguing that removing the history of Black Americans is an "act of cowardice".

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What they’re saying

“I believe our students should learn that we are strong enough to face our past and move forward, and removing history, especially the history of Black Americans, is an act of cowardice.”

— Carmela Detoma, Schoolteacher

“Black people were enslaved. Black people built this country. The stories should be told.”

— Michael Coard, Attorney

“I want the world to know, you cannot erase our history. Yes, it is flawed. Yes, it is imperfect and yes, it includes the real life, lived experiences and stories of people who endured a great deal of pain so that America could realize its promise.”

— Cherelle Parker, Mayor of Philadelphia (Instagram)

What’s next

A public hearing is scheduled for Friday, with a judge expected to rule on the city's request for a preliminary injunction to stop any further damage to the site, preserve the displays, and restore the exhibit.

The takeaway

The fight to restore the slavery exhibit in Philadelphia highlights the ongoing debate over how to accurately and sensitively portray the nation's complex history, especially the experiences of marginalized communities. The removal of the exhibit, following a directive from the Trump administration, has been seen as an attempt to whitewash history, underscoring the need for educational opportunities that confront the realities of slavery and its lasting impacts.