What Is
Black America 250?

What Is Black America 250?

What Is Black America 250?

This is in keeping with the mission of the non-partisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, (P.L. 114-196) to design and implement “initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250.” Black America 250 is a National Media & Marketing Initiative Commemorating the U.S.A.’s Semiquincentennial

Titled “250 Years of Black America: We Built This,” the initiative will feature a series of national conversations, educational programming, and intergenerational history projects that connect elders and youth in preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped Black America and this nation as a whole. The campaign will highlight 4 pillars of resilience, innovation, and leadership of Black communities across generations and regions of the country.

The observance will culminate with a national celebration and convening in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2026, aligning with the nation’s Semi quincentennial and affirming that “Black history is American history”.

The 4 Pillars

Civic Leadership
Pillar 1

Civic Leadership

By uniting the voices of elected officials, community leaders, business and historical institutions, we champion the preservation and celebration of 250 years of African American heritage and cultural contribution to a thriving America for all.

Elders To Youth
Pillar 2

Elders To Youth

This inspiring initiative is an intergenerational history project that connect elders and youth in preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped Black America and this nation as a whole. African American youth have an opportunity to create audio, video and /or written interviews with senior members in their family, church and/or community, telling about the elders’ experiences and stories passed down to them through the years.

Legendary Treasures
Pillar 3

Legendary Treasures

This nationwide award initiative recognizes living individuals, organizations and institutions representing various fields of endeavor, that have contributed to the progress, growth and development of African Americans during the U.S.A’s 250 year history.

Travel Black America 250
Pillar 4

Travel Black America 250

The Travel Black America 250™ initiative is a groundbreaking, nationwide marketing campaign designed to showcase the cultural richness, historical significance, and vibrant cities and towns that are home to African American heritage across the United States. The true power of this initiative lies in the creation of a centralized digital platform, serving as the hub for all things related to African American heritage tourism. By allowing destinations to position themselves within this robust framework, cities can seamlessly connect with travelers who are specifically interested in learning more about African American culture and history under one unified banner to deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Telling The Stories of
A Nation

Dunmore's Proclamation & Black Americans in the American Revolution | PBS

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