Original Black History Month Resolution of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1080
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-30T13:33:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1080) aims to formally recognize and celebrate Black History Month in 2026, with the theme "A Century of Black History Commemorations." It highlights the historical significance of Black contributions to the United States, honors overlooked individuals and events, and emphasizes the role of such commemorations in promoting a fuller understanding of American history.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The resolution is titled the "Original Black History Month Resolution of 2026."
- Recognition of Black History Month: The House of Representatives acknowledges the achievements of Black Americans, referred to as "unsung souls" (overlooked contributors) and "righteous intercessors" (key figures who advanced justice), throughout U.S. history.
- Historical Context and Examples: The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses detailing:
- The founding role of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and figures like Carter G. Woodson, who established Negro History Week in 1926 (precursor to Black History Month).
- Key events such as Watch Night (Freedom's Eve on December 31, 1862), the origins of Memorial Day through Black commemorations in 1865, and the role of Black soldiers in creating Juneteenth (now a national holiday since 2021).
- Profiles of notable figures, including abolitionist John Brown, Judge Frank M. Johnson (who issued civil rights rulings), Claudette Colvin (early bus boycott resister), and scholars like George Washington Williams, Mary McLeod Bethune, W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, and Arturo Alfonso Schomburg.
- The global and diasporic aspects of Black freedom celebrations, countering historical erasure and racism.
- Support for Commemorations: It encourages ongoing celebrations of Black history through institutions like museums, libraries, and national sites (e.g., National Museum of African American History and Culture) to affirm Black identity and contributions as foundational to the nation's prosperity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a declarative statement of congressional support rather than enacting new policies or amendments.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes greater public awareness and education about Black history, potentially fostering inclusivity and countering narratives that minimize Black contributions. It may inspire community events, school programs, and cultural activities during Black History Month.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal entities (e.g., National Park Service, Smithsonian) to support Black history programming, though without mandating action. It implicitly critiques recent efforts to remove or censor Black history content in public institutions.
- On International Relations: Highlights shared diasporic traditions (e.g., celebrations in Canada, Jamaica, Nigeria), which could strengthen cultural ties with African and Caribbean nations, but has no direct policy effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- African American Communities: Directly honored through recognition of their historical roles and ongoing fight against erasure.
- Educational and Cultural Institutions: Groups like ASALH, museums, libraries, and universities benefit from encouraged programming and legitimacy for Black history studies.
- Historians and Scholars: Figures and events profiled underscore the importance of their work in preserving authentic narratives.
- General Public and Policymakers: Aims to broaden societal understanding, affecting all Americans by promoting a more complete national history.
- Bipartisan Cosponsors: Over 70 House members from diverse backgrounds, indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no force of law, avoiding constitutional challenges. It aligns with First Amendment protections for free speech and assembly in historical commemorations.
- Constitutional: Reinforces ideals of equality and justice under the 14th Amendment by emphasizing Black contributions to liberty, without imposing obligations.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan affirmation of Black history amid debates over education and diversity initiatives (e.g., critiquing book bans and exhibit removals). It positions Congress as supportive of inclusive history during the U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) in 2026, potentially influencing cultural policy discussions without partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (82)
Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] and 32 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Original Black History Month Resolution of 2026 — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (11 pages)