Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) is pleased to announce the passage of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act, which will establish a museum dedicated to African American history and culture within the Smithsonian Institution.
Towns was a cosponsor and strong supporter of the bill.

"This bill is long overdue, but it was an issue worth fighting for," said Congressman Towns.  "As a group of people, we hold a unique position in the history of America.  A museum that tells that story and documents and celebrates African American's contributions is indispensable.  It will also help elevate our history to its rightful place, which in many ways has long been neglected."   

Specifically, the museum will operate as a center for scholarship and provide museum training, public education, exhibits, and the collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans.   The museum will encompass the period of slavery, the era of reconstruction, the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights movement, and other periods of the African American diaspora.

"For current and future generations who have not been a part of or witnessed some of our most important civil rights struggles, this museum will help teach those lessons, said Towns.  "By teaching the full history of African Americans in our country, I think the museum can help facilitate a better appreciation understanding among all Americans." 

Under the legislation, a site for the museum will be designated no later than 18 months from now. The federal government will pay 50% of the cost and 50% will come from private contributions.  

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