H.Res. 1088

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1088 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1088

Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums 
and cultural institutions.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 26, 2026

Ms. Pressley (for herself, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bishop, Ms. 
Bonamici, Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick, Ms. 
Clarke of New York, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms. 
Dean of Pennsylvania, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mr. 
Fields, Mr. Figures, Mrs. Foushee, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. Garcia of 
Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Jackson of 
Illinois, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of 
Illinois, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lynch, 
Mr. McGovern, Mrs. McIver, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Norton, Ms. 
Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Raskin, Ms. 
Salinas, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Sewell, Ms. 
Simon, Mr. Soto, Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Titus, 
Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Veasey, Mrs. Watson Coleman, and Ms. Wilson 
of Florida) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on 
Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by 
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing and celebrating the significance of Black history museums 
and cultural institutions.

Whereas Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration of Negro History 
Week in February 1926 which led to Black History Month, to ensure the 
rich legacies, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans were 
recognized and preserved in American history;
Whereas 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month Commemorations 
and the 250th anniversary of the United States, providing a historic 
opportunity to celebrate America's full history--including the 
contribution of Black Americans;
Whereas the American colonies and the United States directly benefited from the 
labor of millions of enslaved Africans and their descendants;
Whereas Black Americans have expanded American democracy at critical junctures 
throughout history--from Crispus Attucks as the first casualty of the 
American Revolution, to the 2,000 Black elected officials of 
Reconstruction who secured the 14th and 15th Amendments, to the 
Montgomery Bus Boycott that ushered in desegregation;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions--including museums, 
historic sites, archives, libraries, and heritage centers--were created 
to rectify the historical omission, marginalization, and 
misrepresentation of Black people in mainstream museums and textbooks;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions are essential pillars of 
American history and culture, serving as living establishments that 
actively shape the Nation's understanding of itself, rather than merely 
preserving the past;
Whereas they have pioneered inclusive curatorial practices centered on 
community-based narratives and oral histories as primary sources of 
truth;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions preserve irreplaceable 
records, artifacts, and narratives documenting the full scope of 
African-derived cultures' contributions to the United States and the 
world;
Whereas these institutions serve as essential academic hubs for education and 
truth-telling, countering efforts to distort history;
Whereas these institutions generate billions of dollars in economic activity 
nationwide, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, driving tourism, 
and fueling local tax revenue through visitor spending and events;
Whereas Black history museums and cultural institutions function as catalysts 
for social justice and change, illuminating how Black Americans fulfill 
America's founding principles, while equipping visitors with the 
knowledge to advance a more just future;
Whereas together with over 500 local Black history museums and cultural 
institutions educate millions annually;
Whereas they foster youth education, intergenerational healing, and cultural 
pride, strengthening the social fabric nationwide; and
Whereas they affirm that Black history is American History: Now, therefore, be 
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes Black history museums and cultural 
institutions are essential to fulfilling the United States 
founding promises and telling the full, accurate history of our 
Nation;
(2) affirms that the commemoration of the United States 
250th anniversary must prominently recognize Black history as 
foundational to the American story;
(3) encourages the United States Semiquincentennial 
Commission and affiliates to partner with Black history museums 
and cultural institutions in designing and implementing 
commemorative programming, exhibitions, and public education;
(4) calls on relevant federal agencies, including the 
National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for 
the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the 
National Park Service, to ensure strong support for Black 
museums and cultural institutions in their funding and 
partnership programs; and
(5) calls upon the people of the United States to--
(A) visit Black history museums and cultural 
institutions, engage with their educational resources, 
and support through membership, attendance, and 
philanthropy;
(B) confront efforts to erase or distort Black 
history and to uplift Black history museums and 
cultural institutions as trusted spaces for truth-
telling, learning, dialogue, and healing; and
(C) honor the Nation's 250th by participating in 
events at Black history museums and cultural 
institutions that honor both the struggles and joy that 
have expanded American freedom and democracy.
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