Black History Matters Act

# Black History Matters Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Black History Matters Act would direct the National Museum of African American History and Culture to conduct a comprehensive study of how Black history is taught in American public schools. The study would identify which states and school districts require Black history education in their curriculum, evaluate the quality of that education, and assess what textbooks and teaching materials schools are using. After completing the research, the museum would report its findings to Congress. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects public elementary and secondary schools across the country, as well as state education departments and local school districts. It also involves the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture, which would conduct the study.

While the bill itself doesn't mandate changes to school curricula, the findings could inform future education policy discussions. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 1359) is currently in committee in the 119th Congress. It was introduced by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). Being "in committee" means it's under review and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.