Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums and cultural institutions.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1088 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1088

 Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums 
                       and cultural institutions.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           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. Garcia 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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 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
    Resolved, 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.
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