African American History Act of 2026

In this Act:

(1) African American history. The term African American history means the history of African Americans, including the history of African peoples beginning in the African diaspora through the present day, that illuminates the passage to the Americas, slavery, abolition, reconstruction, and the civil rights movements. This history also includes a focus on the innovations and contributions of African Americans to society both past and present, and the impact of African Americans on the history and development of the United States.

(2) African American history education program. The term African American history education program means an educational program relating to African American life, art, history, and culture, including programs—

(A) using digital, electronic, and interactive technologies; and

(B) carried out in collaboration with elementary schools, secondary schools, and postsecondary schools.

(3) Director. The term Director means the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

(4) ESEA terms. The terms early childhood education program, elementary school, local educational agency, and secondary school have the meaning given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).