National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026

This bill proposes to establish a National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Council's core purpose is to enhance the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture across the United States, providing expert guidance and oversight on related initiatives. The Council will comprise 12 members appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, chosen for their expertise and commitment to the field. A key provision mandates equal bipartisan representation , with six members from each major political party, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson who must be from different parties. Members will serve five-year terms, with initial staggered appointments, and receive compensation for their duties. Among its primary duties, the Council will prepare an annual report for the NEH Chairperson on the Endowment's efforts in this area. It is also tasked with gathering and analyzing information on African American historical developments and cultural trends, while monitoring relevant museums and organizations. Furthermore, the Council will evaluate NEH programs to assess their effectiveness in preserving and celebrating African American history and culture, making recommendations to the President. Crucially, the Council will develop and recommend national policies to foster understanding, preserve culture, and celebrate African American contributions to the nation's success. The Council is designed to operate for a specific period, slated to terminate 10 years after the Act's enactment.