Question 1

How does Lonnie Bunch’s decision to lead the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, despite calling it a “fool’s errand,” reflect both personal risk-taking and a broader understanding of historical progress?

Answer

Bunch’s decision was driven primarily by career ambition, with little regard for the project’s broader historical implications.

By taking on the role, Bunch accepted the personal risk of potential failure but saw the museum as an opportunity to contribute to a larger historical mission.

Bunch’s hesitation to accept the position suggests that he was initially unaware of the project’s potential challenges and only learned of them after taking the job.

Labeling it a “fool’s errand” reflects Bunch’s belief that the project was doomed to fail, and he accepted the role without expecting to succeed.