S. 3890: National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026

This bill proposes the establishment of a National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Council is designed to enhance the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture through a variety of tasks and responsibilities.

Establishment of the Council

The bill would create a Council made up of 12 members who would be appointed by the President with Senate approval. Members are expected to be individuals recognized for their significant knowledge and commitment to African American history and culture, and they must not currently be federal employees. Additionally, the President is required to consider equitable representation of women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and ensure equal party representation among the members of the Council.

Membership Details

The Council members will serve terms of five years, with initial appointments staggered to include terms of three years for half the members to ensure continuity. The Council will have a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson, who cannot belong to the same political party. Members will receive compensation for their duties and travel expenses covered by federal regulations.

Duties of the Council

The Council will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Preparing annual reports for the National Endowment for the Humanities regarding efforts to preserve African American history and culture.
• Gathering information about historical developments and cultural trends, and monitoring organizations dedicated to African American history.
• Evaluating National Endowment for the Humanities programs to assess their effectiveness in preserving African American history.
• Developing national policies to promote understanding of African American history and culture, as well as recognizing the contributions of African Americans to various sectors.
• Providing studies, reports, and recommendations regarding cultural preservation upon request.

Regulatory Framework

This Council will not be subject to certain regulations that apply to advisory committees, which may allow for more flexibility in operations.

Duration of the Council

The Council is set to operate for a period of ten years following the enactment of the bill, after which it would be terminated unless further action is taken.

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