Preserving African American History and Culture Legislation

By Congressman Kweisi Mfume

As Black History Month begins, we must ensure that Black history is told fully and accurately. While the truth of the African American journey may not be the easiest to tell, it should be protected and celebrated. Our history as a people in this country is intricate and integral to the story of the United States of America and must be treated and admired as such.

To ensure we honor and protect our experience, I have introduced legislation in the United States House of Representatives entitled the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023. This bill would create a twelve-person National Council on African American History and Culture that would advise the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) on how this agency can best preserve and amplify the work of Black creators, strengthen teaching and learning about Black history in schools, and provide critical resources dedicated to preserving Black history and culture. 

My legislation puts a fence around our history so no one can say it is no longer important enough to be taught, preserved, and celebrated. With the recent attacks on African American curricula across our country, we must protect our history and culture.

I am encouraged that 50 of my colleagues have chosen to support my legislation as original cosponsors. In addition, I thank my friend and colleague Senator Ben Cardin for introducing companion legislation in the United States Senate.

I am inspired to see the impact this legislation will have on our history. Yours in service,
   Kweisi Mfume
Member of Congress