WASHINGTON, DC – In a significant move to honor and preserve African American history, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) has introduced the African American History Act of 2026 in the United States House of Representatives. Co-led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the Senate, this legislation seeks to allocate substantial funding and resources aimed at enhancing the education and understanding of African American history across the nation.
The proposed legislation authorizes $20 million over five years for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). This funding is intended to support a range of educational programs tailored for students, parents, and educators, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of African American contributions and experiences in the United States.
Key to the African American History Act of 2026 is its commitment to defining African American history in a way that encompasses not just the significant narratives of slavery and civil rights but also the myriad accomplishments and influences of African Americans throughout the nation’s history. By doing so, the legislation aims to reshape the educational narrative, positioning African American history as an integral component of American heritage.
In the face of recent attempts by the Trump Administration and various state governments to limit discussions around race and civil rights, this bill represents a clear stand against such efforts. By fortifying the resources of the NMAAHC, legislators are asserting the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that the comprehensive narrative of American history—including its uncomfortable truths—is preserved and taught accurately.
“African American History is American history,” stated Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The full history of the Black experience in America must always be protected – because the story of African American people is integral to the story of the United States of America.” Mfume emphasized that this act serves as a vital defense against censorship and an effort to maintain historical integrity amid governmental pushback on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Senator Cory Booker echoed these sentiments, stating, “American history cannot be told honestly without including the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans.” He highlighted the importance of the bill in ensuring that students and families have meaningful access to the full spectrum of Black history, thereby enhancing the educational fabric of the nation.
The bill has garnered significant support, with 92 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives. This broad backing indicates a collective recognition of the critical importance of African American history in shaping the nation’s identity.
In addition to financial support, the African American History Act of 2026 empowers the NMAAHC Director to create and share educational resources through a lens focused on social justice and anti-bias. This forward-thinking approach not only aims to educate but also to encourage a more equitable representation of America’s multifaceted history.
The act conveys the Sense of Congress that the federal government should play a proactive role in supporting the accurate teaching of not only African American history but also the histories of Hispanic and Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native American groups. This inclusive approach underscores a commitment to a holistic understanding of American history.
For those interested in learning more about the bill’s particulars, the full text is available online. The introduction of the African American History Act of 2026 marks a powerful step forward in the ongoing endeavor to ensure that the diversity of American history is both recognized and celebrated.
