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MCAAHC Mission
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture is committed to discovering, documenting, preserving, collecting, and promoting Maryland’s African American heritage.
The Commission also provides technical assistance to institutions and groups with similar objectives. Through the accomplishment of this mission, the MCAAHC seeks to educate Maryland citizens and visitors to our state about the significance of the African American experience in Maryland.
Commissioners and staff at the 2023 Commission Retreat at Morgan State University.
MCAAHC FEBRUARY 2025 PUBLIC MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM
830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Join us for the Black History Month edition of the MCAAHC Public Meeting! This public meeting is hosted by Commissioner Dr. Walter “Wali” Gill representing Baltimore City. Join us to learn about upcoming initiatives, and to hear from engaging speakers in the heritage and preservation community.
AAHPP FY25 Grantees Announced
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) have awarded thirty-one African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) grants totaling $5,000,000 to numerous Maryland recipients for FY 2025!
These grants offer assistance to organizations and private citizens in their sponsorship of projects involving acquisition, construction, or improvement of sites related to African American heritage. Click below to learn more about the grantee projects.
New MCAAHC Leadership for FY25 Announced
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) is pleased to announce the newly elected leadership of Chair Maya Davis and Vice Chair Dr. Kali-Ahset Amen effective July 1, 2024.
MCAAHC Statewide Book Drive 2024-2025
Now in its second year, MCAAHC invites Marylanders’ contributions to a statewide book drive. Donations of unused books in alignment with the MCAAHC mission are welcomed at sites across the state now through June 2025.
The MCAAHC serves to be a voice and venue against the marginalization, false narratives, book banning, and other systemic practices that suppress, subordinate, and misrepresent the history of Maryland African Americans.
Engaging with Descendant African American Communities
We are looking for workshop leaders, potential descendants, and volunteers–particularly youth!
Saturday, November 9, 2024
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mt. Calvery United Methodist Church
1236 Jones Station Road
Arnold, Maryland 21012
RSVP: bit.ly/Nov9MtgRSVP
Learn about upcoming initiatives of the Ancestral Remains Cemetery Research & Preservation Committee at this first meeting. Commissioners of the MCAAHC, MHT, and staff from the MAC Lab are collaborating on a plan consistent with state regulations that will permit these remains of African Descent to be laid to rest.
MCAAHC’s Ancestral Remains, Cemetery Research, and Preservation Committee and Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) have launched a project aimed at identifying lineal descendants or communities that are culturally affiliated with the remains of at least 15 individuals of African or possible African descent that are currently housed at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) in Calvert County, Maryland.
<<< Map of cemeteries at which remains were found | Courtesy of MHT
We are looking to actively engage with descendant communities in an ethical and inclusive manner and will result in a plan for the respectful reburial of the remains.
Loudon Park National Cemetery 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony
Join us and the Baltimore National Cemetery for our Memorial Day Ceremony at Loudon Park National Cemetery.
- Keynote Speaker: Congressman Kweisi Mfume
- Music By: Kim Poole
The program will also include playing of taps.
Due to parking limitations, we ask that you park at Saint Joseph’s Monastery Parish, 3801 Frederick Ave. at S. Monastery Ave., Baltimore, MD.
Maryland’s Year of Civil Rights 2024
The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and Banneker-Douglass Museum are declaring 2024 as “Maryland’s Year of Civil Rights” with exciting and relevant programming, exhibitions, and partnerships.
With 2024 being the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act (1964), original programming and participation in platforms with community partners will commemorate the milestone year of this groundbreaking legislation. From 1964’s Bell vs. Maryland to 1963’s Treaty of Cambridge, Maryland has been the backdrop to civil rights legislation throughout the years. Additionally, Maryland has been the home to civil rights icons who will forever have a place in the history of this nation, such as Verda Freeman Welcome, Thurgood Marshall, and Gloria Richardson.
Check out the launch event of the initiative featuring guest speakers Gov. Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, MCAAHC Chair Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, and Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson above.
Upcoming Meetings
830 E Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
FY25 Public Meeting Schedule
- August 5, 2024
- October 7, 2024
- December 2, 2024
- February 3, 2025
- April 7, 2025
- June 2, 2025
Click here for Public Meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings.