Alsobrooks, Mfume Introduce National Council on African American History and Culture Act

February 13, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - As reported in The Washington Informer, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) introduced the National Council on African American History and Culture Act, which would establish a 12-member advisory council within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, the Council would be composed of private citizens recognized for their expertise and contributions to African American history and culture. The Council is tasked with gathering data, assessing federal humanities programming, making policy recommendations, and submitting annual reports to guide and enhance federal support for the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture. The Council would sunset 10 years after enactment.

This bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

"Preserving and promoting Black history is not just essential for ensuring we don't repeat the mistakes of the past - but it is also inspiring. I am proud to partner with Congressman Mfume on the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026. Our bill would establish an advisory council dedicated to preserving our history and culture. As our current President attempts to rewrite American history by erasing so much of it, we owe it to our future generations to preserve and promote the truth of our past," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"African American History is American history, and it is both our duty and responsibility as a nation to conserve and protect it. The empowering and liberating story of Black people in this country-woven into the founding of this country-is amidst a series of attacks from the Trump administration and is at risk of erasure," said Congressman Mfume. "The National Council on African American History and Culture Act serves as a lifeline to ensure Black History is nurtured, supported, and truthful-and I am thankful that Senator Alsobrooks has joined me on this crucial endeavor in the United States Senate. We must be resolute in our message back to Trump: you erase it, we will replace it," he concluded.

"Black history is made up of stories of resilience, innovation, and determination that have shaped our nation and our pursuit of a more perfect union. Establishing a National Council on African American History and Culture will help ensure that this history is preserved and celebrated with the prominence and respect it deserves. This is even more critical now, given this Administration's attempts to erase and marginalize the contributions of Black Americans," said Senator Van Hollen.

"You can't teach American history without including African American history," Senator Wyden said. "As the son of a journalist who fled Nazi Germany, I know full well that rewriting history is the first step to erasing it. It's more important than ever to protect, preserve, and promote African American history and culture against Trump's attacks so that future generations know the unvarnished reality."

"Across generations, African American history has shaped the very foundation of our democracy, culture, and economy," said Senator Rosen. "I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to ensure that African American history is treated with the importance and dignity it deserves as a key aspect of American history. Preserving this history is not only about honoring our past, it's about telling the truth of who we are as a nation and passing that truth on to future generations."

"African American history tells a story of resilience, strength, and courage, and we must uplift those who preserve it. From Dr. King, John Lewis and others, their leadership shaped our country and continues to inspire Americans now and in the future. It is important to teach and celebrate this history because it helps all of us understand the struggles and triumphs that built our nation. Americans deserve to know the full story of America, and the National Council on African American History and Culture Act will help ensure that story includes African American history," said Senator Booker.

The National Council on African American History and Culture Act has been endorsed by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Black Heritage Council.

Read the full bill text here.

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