Group of Black Ministers Object to Statue of Margaret Sanger in Smithsonian Exhibit

A group of black ministers from nine states has written a letter to the Director of the National Portrait Society objecting to the inclusion of a likeness of Margaret Sanger that will appear alongside others representing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks in the Gallery’s "Struggle for Justice” exhibit, which honors "great achievements... striking down long-standing segregationist practices and discrimination in American society."

Dear Ms. Sajet,

We are writing to ask that Margaret Sanger’s likeness be removed from all National Portrait Gallery exhibits. Her bust should not be part of the Gallery’s "Struggle for Justice" exhibit, which honors "great achievements... striking down long-standing segregationist practices and discrimination in American society.” Ms. Sanger may have been a lot of things, but a “champion of justice” she definitely was not.

Perhaps the Gallery is unaware that Ms. Sanger supported black eugenics, a racist attitude toward black and other minority babies; an elitist attitude toward those she regarded as “the feeble minded;" speaking at rallies of Ku Klux Klan women; and communications with Hitler sympathizers. Also, the notorious “Negro Project” which sought to limit, if not eliminate, black births, was her brainchild. Despite these well documented facts of history, her bust sits proudly in your gallery as a hero of justice. The obvious incongruity is staggering!

Perhaps your institution is a victim of propaganda advanced by those who support abortion. Nevertheless, a prestigious institution like the National Portrait Gallery should have higher standards and subject its honorees to higher scrutiny. Until now the national spotlight has not fallen on Sanger's background. However, the recent revelations about aborted babies’ organs and body parts being sold, have not only brought Planned Parenthood under intense scrutiny, but also raised questions about its founder, Margaret Sanger. If the revelations were not consistent with her character and ideas, one might argue that Planned Parenthood has “gone rogue” and abandoned Sanger. The fact is that the behavior of these abortionists, their callous and cavalier attitude toward these babies, is completely in keeping with Sanger’s perverse vision for America.

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Ironically, Sanger’s bust is featured in the NPG’s “Struggle for Justice” exhibit, alongside two of America’s most celebrated and authentic champions of equal rights - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks. If Sanger had her way, MLK and Rosa Parks would not have been born. ...

The group is called Ministers Talking a Stand and their letter to Ms. Sajet is the epitome of respectful, principled dialogue in service to truth. I encourage you to read the letter in full.