Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums and cultural institutions.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1088
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-26: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T08:05:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1088) aims to recognize and celebrate the importance of Black history museums and cultural institutions (such as museums, historic sites, archives, libraries, and heritage centers) in preserving and sharing the full story of American history, particularly the contributions and struggles of Black Americans. It highlights the upcoming 100th anniversary of Black History Month in 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the United States, emphasizing these institutions as key to understanding the nation's diverse heritage.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses that provide historical context, followed by a "Resolved" section outlining the House of Representatives' positions and calls to action:
- Recognition of importance: Affirms that Black history museums and cultural institutions are vital for upholding the U.S. founding ideals and accurately documenting the nation's history, including the role of enslaved Africans and Black Americans in expanding democracy (e.g., from the American Revolution to civil rights movements).
- Inclusion in national commemorations: Stresses that the 250th anniversary celebrations must feature Black history as a core element of the American narrative.
- Encouragement for partnerships: Urges the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (the body planning the 250th anniversary events) and its affiliates to collaborate with these institutions on programs, exhibitions, and education efforts.
- Support from federal agencies: Calls on agencies like the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH, which funds cultural projects), National Endowment for the Arts (NEA, supporting arts initiatives), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS, aiding museums and libraries), and National Park Service (NPS, managing historic sites) to prioritize funding and partnerships for Black history institutions.
- Public engagement: Encourages Americans to visit these institutions, use their resources, provide support through memberships or donations, resist attempts to erase or misrepresent Black history, and participate in 250th anniversary events hosted by them to promote learning, dialogue, healing, and cultural pride.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the sense of the House of Representatives but does not create new laws, amend existing statutes, or enforce requirements. It builds on prior recognitions of Black History Month (originating from 1926 efforts by Dr. Carter G. Woodson) without altering legal frameworks for funding or operations of cultural institutions.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Could indirectly influence budget priorities and grant allocations at NEH, NEA, IMLS, and NPS, potentially increasing resources for Black history preservation and education programs. It may also guide the Semiquincentennial Commission's planning to include more diverse historical narratives.
- On citizens: Promotes greater public awareness, education, and tourism to these institutions, which already educate millions, support jobs, and generate economic activity (e.g., through visitor spending). It fosters intergenerational learning and social cohesion by countering historical distortions and encouraging community involvement.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces the U.S. commitment to inclusive cultural heritage, which could enhance America's global image in discussions of human rights and democracy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Black history museums and cultural institutions: Over 500 local and national entities (e.g., the National Museum of African American History and Culture) that preserve artifacts, narratives, and oral histories; they stand to gain visibility, partnerships, and potential funding.
- Federal agencies and commissions: NEH, NEA, IMLS, NPS, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, tasked with integrating support for these institutions into their work.
- The public: Especially educators, youth, and communities seeking truthful historical education; it encourages widespread participation to build cultural pride and address social justice.
- Elected officials and cosponsors: Introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley with over 50 bipartisan cosponsors, reflecting broad congressional interest in cultural preservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable changes; it operates as a symbolic statement without legal authority, similar to other congressional resolutions honoring cultural milestones.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free speech and expression by promoting diverse historical narratives, but it does not infringe on rights or create mandates.
- Political: Signals congressional support for inclusive history education amid debates over teaching race and slavery in schools, potentially influencing future appropriations or cultural policies. It underscores a non-partisan push (with diverse cosponsors) to affirm Black history as integral to American identity, countering marginalization without partisan bias.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Cosponsors (59)
Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33] and 9 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-26: 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.
- 2026-02-26: 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.
- 2026-02-26: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums and cultural institutions. — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (5 pages)