Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture

06/15/2026

This is the final week of the MCAAHC Statewide Book Drive! 📚

Now in its third year, the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture (MCAAHC) invites Marylanders to contribute to a statewide book drive. Donations of new or gently used books that align with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed at designated collection sites across the state through Juneteenth Weekend 2026. The MCAAHC remains committed to serving as a voice and venue against marginalization, false narratives, book banning, and other systemic practices that suppress, distort, or misrepresent the history of African Americans in Maryland.

📖 How to Donate: Please contact your respective local public library staff for more information regarding donation sites near you. You can also host a book drive and giveaway within your own community!

📖 Learn more: https://africanamerican.maryland.gov/book-drive/

06/15/2026

The deadline is approaching to apply for the FY27 African American Heritage Preservation Program grant! All applications need to be in by 11:59 PM on July 1, 2026.
AAHPP provides grants to assist in preserving buildings, sites, or communities that are of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. It is administered as a partnership between MHT and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture.
For more information and application materials, visit the program webpage at bit.ly/AAHPP-MHT. Or you can watch the most recent AAHPP webinar recording at youtu.be/iHEX0R-Iy24
Graphic: Mt. Zion Memorial Church, Princess Anne (FY23 AAHPP Awardee)

06/01/2026

Time is running out! The Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture's statewide book drive is entering its final weeks, and we need your help to make a lasting impact.

Now in its third year, this initiative seeks new and gently used books that reflect, preserve, and celebrate African American history, culture, and experiences. Your donation helps ensure that future generations have access to stories and perspectives that educate, inspire, and empower.

At a time when book bans, misinformation, and the erasure of history continue to challenge our communities, every book donated becomes a powerful tool for truth, learning, and understanding.

Join Marylanders across the state in supporting this important effort before it ends Juneteenth weekend. Visit a designated collection site near you and donate today.

For more information, including collection site locations, visit
https://africanamerican.maryland.gov/book-drive/

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

We hope you will join us on Monday, June 1st at 11am for the next Public Meeting of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is located at 830 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore. The meeting will be hosted by the Commissioners from Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

05/25/2026

Maryland Humanities is grateful to our generous donors who sponsored the 21 Special Prizes at Maryland History Day.

Special Prizes are one way we show students we value what they learn about, and your support helped us ensure that these histories were represented at the state contest.

A big thank you to:

• Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture
• Yuan Foundation
• Maryland Council for the Social Studies
• National Cryptologic Foundation
• George Washington's Mount Vernon
• AIDS Healthcare Foundation
• Maryland Historical Trust
• MFT Events
• Friends of Seekers Church
• Baker Cruz Services
• Maryland Center for History and Culture
• UMES Foundation
• Friends of the Maryland State Archives, Inc.
• The White House Historical Association
• BFG Financial Advisors
• Maryland Women's History Initiative
• & the individuals who support this program

05/01/2026

Now in its third year, the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture (MCAAHC) invites Marylanders to contribute to a statewide book drive. Donations of new or gently used books that align with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed at designated collection sites across the state through June 2026. The MCAAHC remains committed to serving as a voice and venue against marginalization, false narratives, book banning, and other systemic practices that suppress, distort, or misrepresent the history of African Americans in Maryland.
To find a collection site, visit:
https://africanamerican.maryland.gov/book-drive/

05/01/2026

Explore the newest edition of The Pendulum, the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture's quarterly newsletter, and discover powerful stories, voices, and milestones shaping Maryland’s African American history.
This issue centers the theme “250 Years of Maryland’s African American History,” highlighting the depth, resilience, and impact of Black history across generations. The lead feature, “Benjamin Banneker: A Genius in Early America Pt. 2” by Commissioner Walter (Wali) Gill, continues the exploration of one of Maryland’s most influential figures, while additional reflections like “Anne Joice, The Georgetown Memory Project, and Me” by Dr. Lynn Locklear Nehemiah with Commissioner Walter Gill offer thoughtful historical connections and personal insight.
Inside this edition, you’ll find:
📰 Highlights from recent museum and community events
📰 Featured stories and historical spotlights
📰 Commissioner spotlights highlighting leadership and impact
📰 Updates from the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum
📰 An AAHPP spotlight featuring Asbury United Methodist Church
📰 Youth pages showcasing how Out of School Time is forging future leaders
📰 A recap of the Youth Takeover at the February Public meeting
📰 Letters to The Pendulum from voices across the community
📰 Program and Commission updates to keep you informed and engaged
Whether you’re a historian, educator, student, or community advocate, this edition offers meaningful ways to connect and stay engaged. Explore it now and stay connected to Maryland’s rich African American heritage.
Read Spring 2026 edition of The Pendulum here: https://canva.link/spring26pendulum