Honoring and celebrating the groundbreaking cultural, historical, and social impact of the Grandassa Models in redefining standards of beauty, confronting colorism, and advancing Black cultural pride during the height of the civil rights era and beyond.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1154
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-22T08:07:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1154) honors and celebrates the Grandassa Models, a group of African-American women from the 1960s, for their cultural, historical, and social contributions. It recognizes their role in redefining beauty standards, challenging colorism (bias favoring lighter skin tones), and promoting Black cultural pride during the civil rights era and beyond, particularly through the "Black is Beautiful" movement.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context (Whereas Clauses): Details the origins of the Grandassa Models in Harlem, New York, in 1962, founded by the African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS) under Elombe Brath. Inspired by earlier activists like Carlos A. Cooks, they promoted natural hairstyles, African-style clothing, and self-acceptance via events like "Naturally '62." Names original models (e.g., Clara Lewis, Black Rose) and supporters (e.g., Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln). Notes their ongoing legacy in museums, media, and the Grandassa Association's work in education, scholarships, and community building.
- Resolved Actions:
- Honors their role in the "Black is Beautiful" movement and redefining global beauty standards.
- Recognizes their promotion of African heritage, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity during the civil rights era.
- Acknowledges their continued efforts in restoring racial pride, education, and community upliftment in New York City and beyond.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution (a formal statement of recognition), which expresses the House of Representatives' views but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.
Potential Impacts
- Citizens: Symbolic boost to cultural pride, especially in Black communities; educates the public on civil rights-era activism and inspires ongoing movements for natural beauty and heritage preservation.
- Government Agencies: Minimal; referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for review, but no funding, mandates, or operational changes.
- International Relations: Indirect positive recognition of African diaspora influences on global beauty standards and cultural pride.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Grandassa Models and Associates: Original members (one surviving at age 99), AJASS founders (e.g., Elombe Brath, Kwame Brathwaite), and the Grandassa Association.
- Communities: Harlem and broader New York City Black communities; African-American diaspora; cultural activists, educators, and artists promoting Black heritage.
- Congress: House of Representatives, signaling support for historical recognition.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are standard congressional tools for commemoration, protected under free speech and do not require presidential approval or judicial review.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan or caucus interest in civil rights history and cultural milestones; could influence public discourse on identity, beauty, and activism without enforceable obligations. Introduced by Rep. Espaillat (D-NY) on April 6, 2026, in the 119th Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Cosponsors (4)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-04-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Honoring and celebrating the groundbreaking cultural, historical, and social impact of the Grandassa Models in redefining standards of beauty, confronting colorism, and advancing Black cultural pride during the height of the civil rights era and beyond. — issued 2026-04-06 — PDF (4 pages)