How Trump’s DEI Crackdown Erased an Afro-Latino Art Exhibition

The intersection of politics and the arts has once again ignited controversy, this time leading to the abrupt cancellation of Before The Americas , a groundbreaking art exhibition at the Art Museum of the Americas in Washington, D.C. Curated by Cheryl D. Edwards, the exhibition was poised to spotlight Afro-Latino, Caribbean, and African American artists.

However, due to the Trump administration’s sweeping rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, funding was revoked, effectively silencing an artistic celebration of marginalized voices.

This underscores the far-reaching consequences of defunding DEI programs, particularly for minority artists whose opportunities for visibility and representation remain scarce. The cancellation of Before The Americas is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend where political decisions directly impact cultural expression and inclusion in the arts.

Before The Americas was conceived as a tribute to the artistic heritage of African diaspora communities, aiming to showcase the rich histories and cultural narratives of Afro-Latino, Caribbean, and African American artists. Curated by Cheryl D. Edwards, the exhibition promised a compelling exploration of identity, heritage, and resilience, bringing much-needed representation to voices often overlooked in mainstream art institutions.