To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, in recognition of his pioneering work in collecting and preserving the history and culture of the African diaspora.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1817
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-04T09:35:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. The medal recognizes his lifelong dedication to collecting and preserving the history and culture of people of African descent worldwide, known as the African diaspora. It honors his role in challenging the false idea that African-descended people had no significant history or achievements.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Congress outlines Schomburg's background, including his birth in Puerto Rico in 1874, his immigration to New York at age 17, and his inspiration from a teacher's dismissive comment about African history. It highlights his collection of over 10,000 items (now over 10 million at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture), his involvement in the Harlem Renaissance, and his influence on scholars, writers, and artists.
- Award Authorization: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange a posthumous presentation of a gold medal to Schomburg on behalf of Congress.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury will create the gold medal with appropriate symbols and inscriptions. After presentation, it will be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research purposes. Congress encourages displaying it at other Schomburg-related sites.
- Duplicate Medals: Bronze copies can be produced and sold by the Treasury to cover costs, with proceeds going to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
- Legal Status and Funding: The medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (for legal protection and handling) and as numismatic items (collectible coins or medals). Costs are covered by the Mint's fund, with no additional taxpayer expense required.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not amend or alter any prior laws. It introduces a new, standalone authorization for a specific Congressional Gold Medal, following the established process under U.S. Code for such honors (e.g., design by the Treasury and display at the Smithsonian). It builds on precedents for awarding medals to historical figures but adds no broader changes to medal-awarding procedures.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Treasury will handle production and sales with minimal new burden, funded internally. The Smithsonian will manage display and research access, potentially enhancing its educational programs on Black history.
- Citizens: It promotes public awareness and education about African diaspora contributions, inspiring ongoing scholarship and cultural preservation. Sales of bronze duplicates could make the honor accessible to collectors and educators at cost.
- International Relations: No direct impact, though it indirectly supports global recognition of shared African heritage, which could foster cultural exchanges involving Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and African nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Arturo Alfonso Schomburg and His Legacy: Posthumous recognition benefits his family, the Schomburg Center (part of the New York Public Library), and affiliated institutions.
- African American and Diaspora Communities: Scholars, artists, historians, and cultural organizations gain validation and inspiration for their work.
- Educational and Cultural Institutions: The Smithsonian and similar entities benefit from the medal's display and research value.
- General Public: Broader access to Schomburg's story through the medal and its promotion encourages historical education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress authority to coin money and regulate its value, extending to commemorative medals. No enforcement mechanisms or rights are created, keeping it symbolic.
- Constitutional: Fully compliant; it involves no expenditure of public funds beyond the Mint's self-sustaining operations.
- Political: Introduced by a diverse group of House members (Democrats from various districts), it signals bipartisan support for cultural recognition without controversy. It underscores Congress's role in honoring underrepresented histories, potentially influencing future bills on similar figures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, 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.
- 2025-03-03: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, 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.
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (6 pages)