African American History Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 26, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands the NMAAHC's role in national African American history education by authorizing specific programs and dedicated funding for outreach and resource development.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) to establish and support African American history education programs. It allows the museum to develop and disseminate educational resources, provide professional development for educators, expand scholarly work, and enhance its collection access, all through a social justice and anti-bias lens. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $4 million annually for five fiscal years, starting in 2027, to fund these activities.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is crucial for ensuring accurate, comprehensive, and accessible education on African American history, which is vital for understanding the full scope of American history. They contend that the NMAAHC is uniquely positioned to lead these efforts, providing valuable resources and professional development to educators and the public, thereby fostering a more informed and equitable society. The emphasis on a 'social justice and anti-bias lens' is seen as essential for addressing historical inaccuracies and promoting critical thinking.
Opponents contend
Opponents might express concerns about the specific framing of educational content through a 'social justice and anti-bias lens,' arguing that it could lead to a biased or politicized curriculum rather than a neutral historical account. Some may also question the federal government's role in dictating educational content, preferring such initiatives to remain at state or local levels. Additionally, some may argue that the authorized funding, while modest, contributes to increased federal spending without clear metrics for national impact.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it easy for an informed reader to understand its provisions within a short timeframe.
Section 2
Definitions of African American History and Education Programs
This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. It broadly describes 'African American history' to include the history of African peoples from the diaspora through the present, covering slavery, abolition, reconstruction, civil rights, and contributions to society. It also defines an 'African American history education program' as any educational program related to African American life, art, history, and culture, including those using digital technologies and collaborations with schools.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that clear and comprehensive definitions are essential to ensure that the educational programs accurately reflect the breadth and depth of African American history and its impact on the United States.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against definitional sections, though some might scrutinize the breadth of the 'African American history' definition for potential ideological interpretations.
Tradeoffs
The definitions aim to be inclusive while providing a clear scope, balancing comprehensive coverage with the need for focused educational efforts.
Section 3(a)
Authorization of Educational Activities
This section authorizes the Director of the NMAAHC to use appropriated funds for a wide range of activities to promote African American history education. These activities include developing accessible resources (digital, print, traveling exhibitions), convening experts, engaging the public, increasing resource capacity, creating scholarly work, providing language translation, and expanding collection access. It also specifically allows for augmenting existing education programs through professional development, teacher fellowships, and engagement with educational leaders, all framed through a social justice and anti-bias lens.
Section 6
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and for each of the four subsequent fiscal years. This funding is specifically designated to carry out the activities outlined in the Act, enabling the NMAAHC to implement its expanded educational programs.
This section expresses the 'Sense of Congress' that the significance of accurate education of minority groups through a social justice and anti-bias lens should be recognized. It also states that the U.S. Federal Government should strive for a leadership role in improving the teaching of African American, Hispanic and Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native American history. Furthermore, it empowers the Directors of other Smithsonian museums (American Indian, American Women's History, American Latino, and future minority group museums) to create and disseminate quality education materials in their areas of expertise.
Section 5
Why it matters:The use of 'Sense of Congress' is standard legislative practice for expressing congressional opinion or intent without enacting binding law. It serves as a strong signal of legislative priorities and encouragement for future action or existing agency behavior.
Case for: Proponents argue that this section is important for signaling broader congressional support for comprehensive minority history education across various institutions, encouraging a more inclusive approach to American history. It sets a precedent and provides political backing for similar initiatives.
Case against: Critics might argue that 'Sense of Congress' language is largely symbolic and does not provide concrete action or funding for the other museums mentioned, potentially creating an expectation without the means to fulfill it. Some may also disagree with the specific 'social justice and anti-bias lens' framing for all minority history education.
Estimated impact: While not directly appropriating funds, this section provides a strong legislative endorsement for expanding minority history education efforts across the Smithsonian Institution, potentially influencing future funding decisions and programmatic directions for other museums.