Kamlager-Dove, Tlaib, Soto Introduce Package to Uplift Black Freedom Communities

LOS ANGELES, CA - To commemorate the end of Black History Month, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced the Restoring the Promise of Freedom Package, which includes the Revitalizing and Empowering Freedom Settlements Through Opportunity, Resilience, and Education (RESTORE) Act co-led by Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) and a resolution to recognize, preserve, and protect historic Freedom Communities, co-led by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

The legislative package would support the approximately 1,200 Freedom Communities founded across the U.S. by formerly enslaved African Americans between 1865 and 1930. Specifically, the RESTORE Act creates the first comprehensive federal program to preserve Freedom Communities by creating a National Park Service program, allocating funding for community-led preservation and development initiatives, and providing technical assistance for infrastructure, preservation, and planning.

"During Black History Month, it is not enough to simply commemorate the past-we must also contribute to and honor living history," said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. "Freedom Communities, in many ways, encapsulate the African American experience: founded by newly freed Black Americans as a means of achieving economic liberation and self-determination, Freedom Communities today often lack access to clean drinking water, quality education, and other basic resources as a result of systemic racism. I am proud to introduce this legislative package to honor these historic communities, which represent Black resiliency, Black hope, and Black excellence by ensuring that they receive long-overdue federal support while maintaining their autonomy and cultural heritage."

"Black History Month is a time to honor Black trailblazers and a reminder of the work that lies before us as we continue to oppose efforts to erase Black history and work to deliver true equity and justice for Black Americans," said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. "I am proud to re-introduce this resolution with Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove to honor and preserve the Freedmen's Settlements where formerly enslaved African Americans built their lives. Freedmen's Settlements often had no running water, lack of access to healthy food, and were exposed to excessive pollution. We must continue the fight to eradicate environmental racism and systemic injustice that our Black neighbors still experience to this day."

"The RESTORE ACT ensures that the stories of resilience, perseverance, and achievement embodied by Freedmen's Settlements like Rosewood and Eatonville are preserved for future generations," said Congressman Darren Soto. "By establishing a dedicated National Park Service network, the RESTORE Act will provide essential resources to protect these historic communities while fostering economic growth and cultural enrichment. Honoring this vital chapter of American history is not just about preservation-it's about recognition, education, and opportunity."

"The RESTORE Act represents a historic opportunity to preserve the remarkable legacy of Freedmen's Settlements and historic Black towns while investing in their future," said Jacqueline Patterson, Executive Director of The Chisholm Legacy Project. "These communities stand as powerful testaments to Black self-determination and resilience, yet many lack basic infrastructure and face existential threats from climate impacts, development pressures, and disinvestment. We applaud Representatives Kamlager-Dove, Soto, and Tlaib for their leadership in introducing this crucial legislation that will ensure these irreplaceable pieces of American heritage receive the recognition and resources they deserve while maintaining community control over their own destiny."

In the face of blatant attacks on equity initiatives and diverse communities, action is needed now more than ever to honor and revitalize the Freedmen's Settlements and Black Towns that were created to provide a sanctuary from racial violence and discrimination. The Restoring the Promise of Freedom Package represents a unique opportunity to address long-standing inequities while simultaneously investing in the future of these communities.

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