National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026

The "National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026" proposes to establish a National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This Council would consist of 12 members, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, who possess broad knowledge and expertise in African American history and culture. Members must have distinguished records and not be current federal employees. The bill mandates specific considerations for appointments, including equitable representation of women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities, as well as ensuring a comprehensive representation of scholars and practitioners. Notably, the Council's membership must be equally divided between individuals affiliated with the Democratic and Republican parties, with the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson designated from different parties. Members will serve five-year terms, with initial staggered appointments. The Council's primary duties include preparing an annual report for the NEH Chairperson on the Endowment's efforts in African American history and culture. It is also charged with gathering timely information on historical developments and cultural trends, monitoring relevant organizations, and analyzing this data to determine if national policy interventions are needed. Furthermore, the Council will evaluate NEH programs and activities to assess their effectiveness in preserving and celebrating African American history and culture, making recommendations to the President. Its responsibilities extend to developing and recommending national policies aimed at fostering understanding, preserving culture, and celebrating African American contributions to the nation's economic, cultural, and political success. The Council is slated to terminate ten years after the bill's enactment.