Black History Artifact Retention

Mandate for the Systematic Turnover and Preservation of Black Historical Materials

Purpose: To ensure the full, accurate, and permanent preservation of Black history by requiring the turnover of all historical data, evidence, objects, and intellectual property relevant to the African diaspora to accredited Black History Museums or Centers of African American Culture.

I. Mandated Institutions for Custodianship

All historical materials must be transferred to one of the following:

• Local or nearest accredited Black History Museum

• Recognized African American Cultural Center

• Accredited University African American Studies Archives

• A centralized National Archive for Black History and Cultural Memory

II. Responsible Entities

1. Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies

2. Public & Private Educational Institutions

3. Media Companies & Production Studios

4. Libraries and Public Archives

5. Private Collectors & Estate Managers

6. Historical Societies

7. Police Departments & Court Archives (where records pertain to Black history or civil rights)

8. Corporations holding culturally relevant records or intellectual property

III. Categories of Items to Be Accounted For

A. Documents & Literature

• Civil rights case files, legal documents, arrest records

• Historical records, letters, speeches, autobiographies

• Manuscripts, poems, songs, and literary works

• Newspapers, magazines, Black press archives

B. Photographs & Videos

• Civil rights movement footage

• Historic Black events and leaders

• Family and community photographic archives

• Surveillance footage tied to Black historical incidents

C. Artifacts & Memorabilia

• Protest signs, banners, and apparel

• Religious objects used in Black churches or rituals

• Personal items of historic Black figures

• Tools or objects used in historically Black communities

D. Cultural & Musical Archives

• Original recordings (vinyl, cassette, CD, digital)

• Lyric sheets, production notes, unpublished works

• Music videos, behind-the-scenes documentation

E. Governmental & Institutional Records

• Educational curriculum that included or excluded Black history

• Legislation, policy drafts, and executive orders affecting Black communities

• Intelligence reports, FBI files (e.g., COINTELPRO)

• Records of segregation, housing discrimination, policing

F. Props, Costumes, and Media Assets

• Props from films or shows depicting Black culture/history

• Wardrobe used by prominent Black entertainers

• Sets, production notes, and scripts relevant to the Black experience

G. Digital Archives & Intellectual Property

• Social media posts of historical relevance

• Digital photographs, podcasts, audio interviews

• 3D models, virtual tours, and AR/VR content relating to Black history

IV. Implementation Protocol

1. Inventory Creation: Each entity must submit a detailed inventory of all materials in their possession.

2. Transfer Coordination: Materials shall be professionally appraised, preserved, and cataloged before turnover.

3. Digital Repositories: Where physical turnover is impractical, high-fidelity digital copies must be created and stored in secure, accessible repositories managed by Black-led archival institutions.

4. Legal Transfer of Ownership or Stewardship: Items shall be legally transferred under binding agreements to ensure their use remains culturally sensitive and educational.

5. Timeline & Reporting:

   • All inventories must be submitted within 12 months of enactment.

   • Physical or digital transfer of all materials must be completed within 24 months.

   • Annual public reports must be issued on progress and acquisition.

V. Enforcement

A federally backed Black Historical Preservation Task Force will oversee implementation, conduct audits, and issue compliance orders. Non-compliant organizations may face:

• Public censure

• Revocation of grants or funding

• Civil fines

• Seizure under cultural preservation statutes

VI. Community Access and Cultural Stewardship

All preserved items must be accessible for:

• Educational programming

• Community exhibitions

• Academic research

• Youth engagement programs

The preservation must be led and advised by Black historians, elders, and cultural leaders to maintain authenticity and integrity.