Black History Matters Act

House Bill

H.R. 1359

119th Congress

Black History Matters Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 14, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Donald W. Norcross

Representative

Democratic

NJ-1

Cosponsors

38

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Education

Summary

This bill directs the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study Black history education in public schools. The study would identify which states require Black history curriculum, assess the quality of instruction and materials, and report findings to help improve Black history education nationwide.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill directs the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study Black history education in public schools. The study would identify which states require Black history curriculum, assess the quality of instruction and materials, and report findings to help improve Black history education nationwide.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Black History Matters Act This bill directs the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study and report on Black history education in public elementary and secondary schools. Among other elements, the study must (1) identify the states and local educational agencies that require (and those that do not require) Black history education as part of the curriculum taught in public elementary and secondary schools, (2) assess the quality of Black history education provided by schools, and (3) assess the types and quality of instructional material used to teach students about Black history.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Studies Black history education in public schools
Identifies states requiring Black history curriculum
Assesses quality of instruction and materials
Conducted by National Museum of African American History
Reports on educational gaps and needs

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Policymakers would have data on the state of Black history education across the country. States and districts could use findings to improve curriculum. Students could benefit from enhanced Black history education informed by the study recommendations.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Education

Related Subjects

Congressional oversight

Elementary and secondary education

Government studies and investigations

Racial and ethnic relations

Teaching, teachers, curricula

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1359, 119th Congress (2025). "Black History Matters Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1359