Bill Overview
Title: African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish the United States African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Program within the National Park Service (NPS). In carrying out the program, Interior may make grants to other federal agencies; state, local, and tribal governments; other public entities; educational institutions; historic preservation groups; and private nonprofit organizations for the identification of historic African-American burial grounds, the preservation and restoration of African-American burial grounds, the interpretation of African-American burial grounds, and related research and documentation for historic African-American burial grounds.
Sponsors: Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals connected to historic African-American burial grounds
Estimated Size: 80000
- Historic African-American burial grounds are of cultural and historical significance to the African-American community both in the US and globally.
- The preservation of these burial grounds impacts descendants of those buried, local communities, historians, and cultural preservation groups.
- Historically African-American communities across the United States will have a direct and meaningful engagement with this bill.
- The educational and scholarly community involved in studying African-American history will be impacted by improved access and resources for research.
- Local economies may be indirectly impacted through grants for preservation activities and potential increases in heritage tourism.
Reasoning
- The population directly impacted by the African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Act is estimated to be relatively small compared to the overall US population, mainly comprising descendants and communities connected to historic African-American burial grounds.
- The policy's impact can vary widely: from emotional and historical connections in African-American communities to economic benefits through preservation grants and potential heritage tourism.
- The simulations should represent a mix of individuals: those with direct ancestral connections, local community members involved in preservation efforts, and individuals from diverse professional backgrounds such as historians and educators.
- Given the financial constraints and the cultural focus of the policy, the program's budget allocation would prioritize the most historically significant and at-risk sites.
- Most Americans, particularly those without direct connections to these sites, will experience little to no impact from this policy. However, a broader benefit might be observed in raised awareness and historical recognition.
Simulated Interviews
Historian (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for preserving an important part of African-American history that has long been neglected.
- It will provide necessary funds for much-needed research and preservation work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Richmond, VA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved that finally something is being done to respect and preserve our ancestors' resting places.
- This might also be a learning opportunity for younger generations to understand their heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Nonprofit Organizer (Brooklyn, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program is a step towards acknowledging and preserving African-American contributions and history.
- However, I am concerned about the allocation and whether smaller sites will be prioritized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good that efforts are being made to preserve history, even if it doesn't affect me personally.
- I hope this leads to broader awareness and education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Archaeologist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will greatly enhance our research capabilities and help safeguard these vital sites.
- There are concerns about long-term funding and site prioritization.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Community Leader (Miami, FL)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This brings hope and recognition to our community's history.
- It could also drive local economic benefits through increased cultural tourism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tourism Consultant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential for increased heritage tourism with this policy, which could benefit local economies.
- Crucial to keep a balance between tourism development and respectful preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
School Principal (Detroit, MI)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Incorporating this history into education will help affirm students' identities.
- Hope the policy encourages partnerships with schools for educational programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Tulsa, OK)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program will unlock new areas for research and understanding of African-American legacies.
- There's a worry about equitable access to grants and funding across different sites.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Civil Rights Attorney (Charleston, SC)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legal protection and funding for preservation are long overdue.
- Monitoring will be essential to ensure funds are properly used and sites are protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 3: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 5: $24000000 (Low: $19000000, High: $29000000)
Year 10: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $32000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $55000000)
Key Considerations
- The distinct cultural importance of preserving African-American burial grounds necessitates sustained funding commitment despite potentially moderate economic returns.
- Administrative and overhead costs associated with program management may represent a significant portion of expenditures.
- Accurate identification and sustainable preservation require collaboration with local communities and experts, which might delay implementation.