Congressman Mfume, Senator Alsobrooks Introduce African American History And Culture Bill

Photos: YouTube Screenshots WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, in recognition of Black History Month 2026, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced the introduction of his National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026  in the United States House of Representatives. This legislation will create a 12-person National Council on African American History and Culture to advise the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) on how they can best amplify the work of Black creators, strengthen teaching and learning in schools to ensure Black history and culture is recognized and appreciated, and provide critical resources dedicated to preserving African American history. “African American History is American history, and it is both our duty and responsibility as a nation to conserve and protect it. The empowering and liberating story of Black people in this country—woven into the founding of this country—is amidst a series of attacks from the Trump administration and is at risk of erasure,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.  “The National Council on African American History and Culture Act serves as a lifeline to ensure Black History is nurtured, supported, and truthful—and I am thankful that Senator Alsobrooks has joined me on this crucial endeavor in the United States Senate. We must be resolute in our message back to Trump: you erase it, we will replace it.” Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) is co-leading this effort in the Congress and introduced the bill’s companion legislation in the United States Senate.  “Preserving and promoting Black history is not just essential for ensuring we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past – but it is also inspiring. I am proud to partner with Congressman Mfume on the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026. Our bill would establish an advisory council dedicated to preserving our history and culture. As our current President attempts to rewrite American history by erasing so much of it, we owe it to our future generations to preserve and promote the truth of our past,” said Senator Alsobrooks.Congressman Mfume’s bill in the United States House of Representatives currently has 29 original cosponsors. The legislation is also endorsed by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and the Alabama Black Heritage Council. “The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture proudly supports this vital legislation, and we commend Congressman Mfume for his leadership in advancing it,” said Dr. Kali-Ahset Amen, MCAAHC Chair-elect. “At a time when public debates have cast uncertainty over how American history is taught and valued, this Council would help ensure that African American contributions—past and present—are recognized, protected, and powerfully understood. I know firsthand how essential national coordination and investment are for state and local institutions doing this work on the ground. History is not neutral. It shapes public memory, policy, and power, and this bill is a necessary act of cultural infrastructure in defense of democracy itself.”  “The National Council on African American History and Cultural Act is important to Alabama. As Chair of the Alabama Black Heritage Council, documenting the history of African Americans and African American communities is paramount,” said Joseph A. Lee, Chair of the Alabama Black Heritage Council. “Formerly enslaved people were brought to Alabama to clear the land, to build the early infrastructure, and to produced lucrative commodities such as cotton and sugarcane. After emancipation, African American labor was crucial in industry, agriculture, community service and overall development of the state. In our opinion, this his history must be captured, preserved, and used to educate the public and future generations. We pray the Congress approves and passes this bill. Thank you.” Click HERE to read the bill’s full text.Topline Highlights of the National Council on African American History and Culture Act The Council will be composed of 12 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate. The Council will prepare an annual report for the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which evaluates various programs and activities of the NEH to document the extent to which they are contributing to the preservation and celebration of Black history and culture. The Council will also: Monitor the work of museums and organizations dedicated to the preservation of Black history and culture; Gather information concerning historical developments and cultural trends in Black history and culture; Propose national policy recommendations to foster and promote the understanding of African American history, the preservation of African American culture, and the celebration of African Americans as contributors to the country’s economic, cultural, and political success; and M