The Smithsonian's popular "Entertainment Nation Exhibit" features a series of installations that explore American culture, primarily through the lenses of sports, television, and music. These displays frequently incorporate contemporary social and political narratives, reflecting evolving perspectives on history and identity.
Within the exhibit, the 2010 "Los Suns" protest is prominently featured, highlighted by a special basketball jersey worn by a Phoenix Suns player during the event. A placard accompanying the display explains, "In solidarity with the Latinx community, the Phoenix Suns basketball team challenged Arizona’s new immigration law on the court." The text further elaborates on the legislation, noting that "In 2010 Arizona empowered police to question anyone on their immigration status, in effect targeting any Spanish-speaking person with brown skin." The professional sports team characterized the state's new measure as an infringement upon "our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law."
Another exhibit showcases a mannequin head adorned with the hijab worn by the first Muslim woman to achieve a significant victory in an ice skating competition while sporting the religious head covering.
A section of the exhibit draws a connection between a 2014 "X-Men" film and the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained prominence that same summer. The accompanying placard states, "As #BlackLivesMatter went viral in the summer of 2014, one of the first Black woman superheroes was fighting discrimination on the big screen." This text describes the film's central characters as confronting prejudice for "being different." Halle Berry, who played a lead role in the movie, has her costume featured as part of this display.
Television's Portrayal of Diversity
The exhibit additionally honors the highly successful television series "Glee," which aired for eight seasons in the mid-2010s. A placard accompanying this display highlights that the show "celebrated the arts, and, most importantly, humanity." It further explains, "The television series Glee told the story of a fictional high school glee club comprised of a diverse group of students: Black, white, Asian, straight, LGBTQ+, disabled, brassy, rebellious, shy, and geeky. Even as they grappled with navigating interpersonal conflicts and developing their identities as young adults, they came together to support each other and sing as one—exemplifying the motto on a plaque in their school auditorium: 'See the world not as it is, but as it should be.'"
Sports and Civil Rights Advocacy
A separate display, focusing on the 1960s and 1970s, acknowledges NBA legend Bill Russell's notable achievements in basketball. However, the accompanying text emphasizes his activism against racial injustice rather than exclusively his athletic prowess. The display's title reads, "Bill Russell was a defensive powerhouse on the court who played offense against racism." The placard elaborates on his career, stating, "Bill Russell redefined defensive play, blocking shots and capturing rebounds. The five-time MVP led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships as he championed civil rights." It also notes that "In 1961 Russell led Black teammates in a protest against racial discrimination, staging the first NBA game boycott."
Hip-Hop Culture and Community Engagement
Another installation features a large gold chain, a crew neck sweatshirt, and a notepad containing handwritten song lyrics, all belonging to rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose given name was Ermias Asghedom. The exhibit describes Hussle as an individual associated with the Rollin' 60s Crip gang, whose music often addressed themes of violence and drug culture. The placard for this display asserts, "Nipsey Hussle’s political ethos was as strong as his rap."
The text continues, detailing his life and impact: "Raised in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, Grammy Award-winning rapper Nipsey Hussle made his mark through music, activism, and business savvy." It further describes his artistic contributions, noting that "As an artist, Hussle’s lyrics painted vivid pictures of West Coast life filled with insights well beyond his years." His role as an activist is highlighted: "As an activist, he mentored and inspired a generation to become politically engaged." Additionally, his entrepreneurial spirit is acknowledged: "And as an entrepreneur, he chose to reinvest millions into the streets that raised him. Despite his untimely passing, his spirit of dedication, self-reliance, and community empowerment continues to resonate."
The phrase "untimely passing" refers to Asghedom's murder, which occurred after he confronted Eric Holder Jr., a fellow Rollin' 60s gang member, whom he accused of informing law enforcement. During the confrontation, Holder produced a handgun, fatally shooting Asghedom and injuring several other individuals.
Additional items on exhibit include a jersey worn by Jason Collins, recognized as the first active and openly gay NBA player. Also featured is the hat worn by Dr. Anthony Fauci when he delivered the ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, marking the league's return following COVID-19 shutdowns. Lastly, a skateboard is displayed, symbolizing the challenges encountered by female skateboarders striving for recognition in a predominantly male-dominated athletic field.
