The Black History is American History Act requires entities receiving certain Department of Education grants for American history programs to include Black history in their curriculum. It also requires Black history content in National Assessment of Educational Progress tests. Grant applicants must align with National Museum of African American History and Culture resources to receive priority consideration.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Black History is American History Act requires entities receiving certain Department of Education grants for American history programs to include Black history in their curriculum. It also requires Black history content in National Assessment of Educational Progress tests. Grant applicants must align with National Museum of African American History and Culture resources to receive priority consideration.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Black History is American History Act</b></p> <p>This bill requires entities (e.g., institutions of higher education, libraries, and museums), in order to be eligible for certain grants administered by the Department of Education (ED), to include Black history in their teaching of American history. It also requires Black history to be included in tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).</p> <p>Specifically, the bill mandates the inclusion of Black history as a required component of American history for such entities to be eligible for American History and Civics Academies' competitive grants. These grants support the establishment of (1) Presidential Academies for Teachers of American History and Civics, which offer workshops to teachers of American history and civics to strengthen their knowledge and prepare them to teach in these subjects; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics, which support high school students in developing an understanding of these subjects. (Currently, Black history is not a required component of American history for either academy.)</p> <p>In addition, ED must give priority to grant applicants that align their activities with programs and resources of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture.</p> <p>The bill also requires the inclusion of Black history in tests administered by the NAEP, which measures student academic achievement in various subjects.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires Black history in American history curricula
Applies to ED American History and Civics grants
Includes Black history in NAEP testing
Prioritizes alignment with African American museum
Affects Presidential and Congressional Academies
Mandates comprehensive history education
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill ensures Black history is taught as an integral part of American history rather than a separate or optional subject. By tying requirements to federal education grants and national assessments, it creates meaningful incentives for comprehensive history education. The connection to the Smithsonian museum provides high-quality resources. This addresses concerns that American history education often inadequately covers the Black American experience.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Education
Related Subjects
Academic performance and assessments
Civics education
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Higher education
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Racial and ethnic relations
Smithsonian Institution
Teaching, teachers, curricula
U.S. history
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
844, 119th Congress (2025). "Black History is American History Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-844
