United States Congresswoman Alma S. Adams of North Carolina has recently introduced the HBCU Arts Act to invest in arts education at historically Black colleges and universities
The new bill aims to remove barriers to arts education and conservation for HBCUs by providing financial assistance to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs; establishing outreach programs in the arts; providing faculty and peer mentorship learning opportunities in the arts; exhibiting and protecting African American art collections; and providing paid internship opportunities for students in the arts through partnerships with nonprofit, educational, and cultural institutions. The HBCU Arts Act has been endorsed by several organizations, including Americans for the Arts and the National Association for Music Education
“Art is a universal language that allows people everywhere to experience and celebrate unique cultures and communities. It expands our worldview,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Unfortunately, art programs and departments are often among the first ones cut when schools face financial hardship. Through the HBCU Arts Act, we can provide a historic investment to our HBCUs and ensure these programs remain accessible to our students of color for generations to come.”
Congresswoman Adams was elected to the United States Congress in 2014 after decades as a state legislator in North Carolina. She is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus, as well as the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.
In addition to her career in public service, Congresswoman Adams taught art at historically Black Bennett College in Greensboro for four decades. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in art education from historically Black North Carolina A&T State University and her Ph.D. in art education and multicultural education from Ohio State University.
