The "Black History is American History Act" seeks to ensure the comprehensive integration of the history of peoples of African descent into American education. It authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants for educational programs that explore African Americans' significant contributions and experiences. These programs would cover their role in the settling and founding of America, the economic and political factors surrounding slavery and its abolition, and their profound impact on U.S. history, literature, economy, politics, laws, and culture. To achieve this, the bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act . It explicitly requires the inclusion of "Black history" within existing provisions for American history and civics education programs, including those for teachers and students. This ensures Black history is an integral part of the broader American historical narrative, rather than a separate subject. Additionally, the legislation promotes collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture , utilizing its resources for educators and students. The bill's findings emphasize the integral role African Americans have played since before the nation's founding, their significant population, and their continuous fight against discrimination. It underscores the importance of historically accurate instruction for a complete understanding of American history.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Education
Academic performance and assessmentsCivics educationEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationHigher educationMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersRacial and ethnic relationsSmithsonian InstitutionTeaching, teachers, curriculaU.S. history
Black History is American History Act
USA119th CongressHR-844| House
| Updated: 1/31/2025
The "Black History is American History Act" seeks to ensure the comprehensive integration of the history of peoples of African descent into American education. It authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants for educational programs that explore African Americans' significant contributions and experiences. These programs would cover their role in the settling and founding of America, the economic and political factors surrounding slavery and its abolition, and their profound impact on U.S. history, literature, economy, politics, laws, and culture. To achieve this, the bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act . It explicitly requires the inclusion of "Black history" within existing provisions for American history and civics education programs, including those for teachers and students. This ensures Black history is an integral part of the broader American historical narrative, rather than a separate subject. Additionally, the legislation promotes collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture , utilizing its resources for educators and students. The bill's findings emphasize the integral role African Americans have played since before the nation's founding, their significant population, and their continuous fight against discrimination. It underscores the importance of historically accurate instruction for a complete understanding of American history.
Academic performance and assessmentsCivics educationEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationHigher educationMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersRacial and ethnic relationsSmithsonian InstitutionTeaching, teachers, curriculaU.S. history