In November 2017, the National Trust for Historic Preservation took a groundbreaking step in safeguarding Black history by launching the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. This ambitious program is the largest preservation effort ever dedicated to protecting African American historic sites. Its mission is to ensure that the stories of African American activism, achievement, and resilience are preserved as an essential part of the American landscape.
Expanding the American Story
The Action Fund works to identify, preserve, and restore historic places that tell the untold or underrepresented stories of African American communities. From cultural landmarks to spaces of political activism, the program is transforming how we understand and honor Black history by expanding the narrative of the American experience.
Why the Action Fund, and Why Now
Black history is American history. Yet, too many sites of African American significance have been neglected or erased due to systemic inequities. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is addressing this injustice by ensuring that these vital pieces of our collective history are not forgotten.
Through preservation, the fund cultivates spaces where all Americans can engage with Black history, drawing inspiration and wisdom from the achievements and resilience of African American communities. At a time when understanding our history is more critical than ever, this effort ensures that future generations can connect with the rich and diverse stories that shaped our nation.
A Call to Action
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is more than a preservation effort; it is a movement to create a more inclusive understanding of our shared history. By protecting these sites, we celebrate the legacy of African American communities and their contributions to the ongoing story of America.
To learn more about this initiative or to support the preservation of African American historic places, visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website. Together, we can ensure that these spaces continue to inspire, educate, and empower future generations.
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