February 26, 2026
Ms. Pressley (for herself, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bishop, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fields, Mr. Figures, Mrs. Foushee, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lynch, Mr. McGovern, Mrs. McIver, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Raskin, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Sewell, Ms. Simon, Mr. Soto, Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Titus, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Veasey, Mrs. Watson Coleman, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums and cultural institutions.
Whereas Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week in February 1926 which led to Black History Month, to ensure the rich legacies, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans were recognized and preserved in American history;
Whereas 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month Commemorations and the 250th anniversary of the United States, providing a historic opportunity to celebrate America’s full history—including the contribution of Black Americans;
Whereas the American colonies and the United States directly benefited from the labor of millions of enslaved Africans and their descendants;
Whereas Black Americans have expanded American democracy at critical junctures throughout history—from Crispus Attucks as the first casualty of the American Revolution, to the 2,000 Black elected officials of Reconstruction who secured the 14th and 15th Amendments, to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that ushered in desegregation;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions—including museums, historic sites, archives, libraries, and heritage centers—were created to rectify the historical omission, marginalization, and misrepresentation of Black people in mainstream museums and textbooks;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions are essential pillars of American history and culture, serving as living establishments that actively shape the Nation’s understanding of itself, rather than merely preserving the past;
Whereas they have pioneered inclusive curatorial practices centered on community-based narratives and oral histories as primary sources of truth;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions preserve irreplaceable records, artifacts, and narratives documenting the full scope of African-derived cultures’ contributions to the United States and the world;
Whereas these institutions serve as essential academic hubs for education and truth-telling, countering efforts to distort history;
Whereas these institutions generate billions of dollars in economic activity nationwide, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, driving tourism, and fueling local tax revenue through visitor spending and events;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions function as catalysts for social justice and change, illuminating how Black Americans fulfill America’s founding principles, while equipping visitors with the knowledge to advance a more just future;
Whereas together with over 500 local Black history museums and cultural institutions educate millions annually;
Whereas they foster youth education, intergenerational healing, and cultural pride, strengthening the social fabric nationwide; and
Whereas they affirm that Black history is American History: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
recognizes Black history museums and cultural institutions are essential to fulfilling the United States founding promises and telling the full, accurate history of our Nation;
(2)
affirms that the commemoration of the United States 250th anniversary must prominently recognize Black history as foundational to the American story;
(3)
encourages the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and affiliates to partner with Black history museums and cultural institutions in designing and implementing commemorative programming, exhibitions, and public education;
(4)
calls on relevant federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Park Service, to ensure strong support for Black museums and cultural institutions in their funding and partnership programs; and
(5)
calls upon the people of the United States to—
(A)
visit Black history museums and cultural institutions, engage with their educational resources, and support through membership, attendance, and philanthropy;
(B)
confront efforts to erase or distort Black history and to uplift Black history museums and cultural institutions as trusted spaces for truth-telling, learning, dialogue, and healing; and
(C)
honor the Nation’s 250th by participating in events at Black history museums and cultural institutions that honor both the struggles and joy that have expanded American freedom and democracy.