JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The glass panels of the Lynching Victims Monolith are simple, etched with the names of more than 600 victims of documented racial killings in Mississippi, along with the attackers’ motives.

One man, Malcolm Wright, was beaten to death in front of his family in 1949. His offense? “Hogging the road.” Further research revealed that his mule-drawn wagon was, to his killers, moving too slowly.

These panels are featured among thousands of exhibits inside the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the adjoining Museum of Mississippi History, known as the Two Mississippi Museums, which are a highlight in the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

“That’s just the people that we know about,” said Kiama Johnson, a visitor from Monroe, Louisiana, who expressed deep emotion as she viewed the display. “Just imagine the ones that we don’t. Imagine the ones that are never going to be written in history books.”

The approach taken by Mississippi—a candid reflection of its history—is a notable contrast to the narrative shaped at the national level since President Donald Trump resumed office in January 2025.

The administration has focused on easing discomfort surrounding America’s history, including signing an executive order eliminating federal diversity initiatives, thereby shifting the narrative to one that often avoids discussing discrimination and violence.

In Mississippi, the museums' director, Nan Prince, emphasized the guidelines they adhered to during the establishment of the museums: “Don’t brush over anything, don’t whitewash anything. Just tell the absolute truth.”

The museums explore significant events in Mississippi’s history, including the infamous murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy lynched in 1955 after being accused of offending a white woman, underscoring the pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement the state has endured.

Many visitors, like Lindsay Ward, have been moved to tears by their experiences at the museums. “It’s important we understand what happened in the past,” she reflected. The comprehensive exhibitions invite a hard look at Mississippi’s legacy, including narratives of racial violence and accountability for its history.

Ultimately, the Two Mississippi Museums stand as a testament to the ongoing journey of the state and the nation towards grappling with past injustices, embracing an unfiltered presentation of history in honor of those lost.