Amid concerted efforts from national Republicans to censor, erase, and obscure Black history, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) are sponsoring legislation to ensure that African Americans remain represented on the national stage.
Alsobrooks is the Senate sponsor for the National Council on African American History and Culture Act, a bill to establish a 12-member advisory council within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) which has been endorsed by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Black Heritage Council.
“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,” Alsobrooks told The Informer in a statement. “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.”
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’s duties would include gathering data, assessing NEH 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 legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Mfume, the House sponsor, served as the chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1996 to 2004.
“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 Mfume.
The veteran congressman emphasized the importance of the legislation before offering a call to action.“The National Council on African American History and Culture Act serves as a lifeline to ensure Black History is nurtured, supported, and truthful,” he continued. “We must be resolute in our message back to Trump: you erase it, we will replace it.”