Bill > HR1817

This bill proposes to award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican scholar and historian who made significant contributions to preserving and promoting African and African American history and culture. The bill highlights Schomburg's remarkable life, including how he was inspired to collect historical artifacts after a teacher claimed people of African descent had no history, and how he ultimately amassed a collection of over 10,000 items documenting Black achievements. The legislation authorizes the Speaker of the House and Senate President pro tempore to present the gold medal, which will be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury and then donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of duplicate bronze medals to help cover the production costs. Congress views this medal as an appropriate way to honor Schomburg's legacy and his pivotal role in documenting and celebrating the rich history of the African diaspora, recognizing how his work has inspired generations of scholars, writers, and artists to explore and appreciate Black contributions to society.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1817/all-info