Dear AAAM Family:
It is with a heavy heart that I share my deep sorrow and concern over the recent removal of Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress. As many of you have shared with us since last night, her dismissal is not only a personal loss for those of us inspired by her leadership—it also represents a deeply troubling setback to the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve in this country
Dr. Hayden’s appointment was historic. As the first woman and the first African American to hold the role of Librarian of Congress, she broke barriers and redefined what cultural leadership in our nation’s highest institutions could look like. Her removal is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our advances can be, and how much more work remains to be done.
I am, however, deeply thankful that AAAM had the honor of celebrating Dr. Hayden’s contributions while she was still in office. We welcomed her during our 2017 conference in Washington, D.C., and again just last year in Baltimore, MD, where we proudly presented her with the Dr. John E. Fleming Award—a small but heartfelt acknowledgment of her groundbreaking leadership and the indelible mark she has made on the Library of Congress and the cultural field writ large.
Dr. Hayden’s commitment to equity, access, and the preservation of diverse histories has left a legacy that cannot be erased. Her presence uplifted our institutions, affirmed our communities, and reminded us that representation at the highest levels matters.
Though her formal tenure may have been cut short, her impact will endure—in the archives she opened, the histories she honored, and the generations she inspired. I am grateful that we had the opportunity to align ourselves with her vision, and I know we will remain committed to continuing the work she so powerfully advanced.
We will continue to carry Dr. Hayden’s torch with pride. We did not come this far, to come this far!
With respect and gratitude,
Vedet Coleman-Robinson, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Association of African American Museums (AAAM)
Ways To Support Dr. Carla Hayden:
Dr. Carla Hayden has inspired so many of us through her groundbreaking leadership.
As a community, let’s show our appreciation.
Share a few words about how Dr. Hayden has impacted your work. We’ll compile your messages and send them to her as a collective tribute from AAAM.
Submit your note by May 20, 2025.
Support as a member of the Association of African American Museums:
Publicly document and uplift her legacy through your own institutions.
This can be done by:
- Hosting community programs or exhibitions that highlight her impact as the 14th Librarian of Congress.
- Dedicating digital or physical space to honor her contributions to African American cultural preservation, literacy, and access to knowledge.
- Submitting op-eds or blog posts from your institution’s platform that reflect on her leadership and what it meant for the field writ-large.
- Recording oral histories or reflections from staff, board members, or community stakeholders who were directly inspired by her work. Share these stories on your websites and social media platforms.
By embedding her legacy into your public programming, you ensure that her leadership is not erased—and that future generations understand and benefit from her trailblazing example.
Support as citizen of the United States of America:
1. Contact Your Elected Representatives
Reach out to your senators and congressional representatives to express your concerns about Dr. Hayden’s dismissal. Encourage them to investigate the circumstances surrounding her termination and to consider legislation that protects the independence of federal institutions like the Library of Congress.
2. Raise Public Awareness
Use your voice on social media platforms and community forums to highlight Dr. Hayden’s contributions and the implications of her dismissal. Sharing articles, writing opinion pieces, or organizing community discussions can help inform others and galvanize support.
3. Advocate for Institutional Independence
Engage in broader advocacy for the independence of cultural and educational institutions. Support policies and initiatives that safeguard these entities from political interference, ensuring they can operate freely and serve the public interest.
4. Stay Informed and Engaged
Keep abreast of developments related to the Library of Congress and similar institutions. Being informed enables you to respond promptly to future actions that may threaten the integrity of public institutions.
Dr. Hayden’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the Library of Congress, and your support can help uphold the values she stood for.