Cultural heritage sites that bring forward the African American narrative have served a crucial role in redefining our collective history and, ultimately, reconstructing a national identity that reflects the country’s true diversity. Preservation professionals and grassroots leaders harness the power of place and the influence of historical figures to inspire and advocate for equity, funding, and recognition of our shared cultural legacy. This paper examines a range of Black heritage sites to reinforce the notion that preservation comes in many different forms and can be used as a tool to empower Black communities. Through historic preservation practice, storytelling, and partnerships, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is scaling up the preservation movement to ensure the full American story will be shared with future generations.

By Brent Leggs
Published in The Public Historian: Vol. 40, No. 3, pp 90-106 (August 2018). 
The Regents of the University of California and the National Council on Public History
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