Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture

The self-proclaimed "hip-hop feminist" was one of the academic advisors chosen to work on the collection. The selection team also included music industry legends like Quest Love, LL Cool J and Chuck D.

"There's no getting around it," says Linda St. Thomas, chief spokeswoman for the Smithsonian. About two-thirds of the institution's staff are federal employees and will be furloughed effective Jan. 2.

A piece of history from Bartow will be included in the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.The museum…