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. 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: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Target Audience
Population: descendants of individuals interred in historic African-American burial grounds, researchers, historians, and heritage communities
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill focuses on African-American burial grounds, which may affect the descendants and communities connected to those interred in these sites.
- This program could impact historians, researchers, and preservationists interested in African-American history.
- As burial grounds are recognized as sites of cultural heritage, this bill could impact educational institutions and organizations focused on African-American history and heritage preservation.
- There is potential for this bill to impact communities near identified burial grounds by preserving local history and possibly increasing tourism.
Reasoning
- The policy is likely to have a noticeable impact on individuals connected to African-American burial grounds, including descendants of those interred, historians, and preservationists, by increasing awareness and appreciation of this cultural heritage.
- As the policy includes funding for preservation and interpretation, it may enhance local tourism and education opportunities, particularly in areas with significant historical sites.
- However, due to the budget limit, the extent of direct personal impact may vary, with a greater focus likely placed on sites of more substantial historical significance or those in need of urgent preservation.
- Considering the policy targets primarily U.S. citizens connected to African-American history, there will be variation in how different demographic groups are influenced depending on their personal, cultural, or professional connections to the burial grounds.
Simulated Interviews
retired school teacher (Savannah, Georgia)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could finally bring some recognition and preservation to the burial grounds near me that have been neglected for so long.
- This preservation could help educate the younger generation about our local history and cultural legacy.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
historian specializing in African-American history (Washington D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could enhance my research opportunities and provide funds to preserve more sites, adding depth to our understanding of African-American history.
- While the funding is limited, it could lead to significant discoveries and documentation efforts.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
graduate student in anthropology (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The passage of this policy could open new avenues for my thesis research, providing access to resources and initiatives I wouldn't have otherwise.
- I hope it leads to more internships and educational opportunities at sites recognized for protection.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
owner of a local heritage tour company (Richmond, Virginia)
Age: 62 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might lead to increased interest in heritage tours, as well-preserved sites attract tourists.
- However, in practice, the impact depends on how funds are allocated regionally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
city planner (Houston, Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could potentially ease some of the push for redevelopment of burial ground sites, allowing for better cultural preservation.
- However, my concern is whether the funding will address all the necessary administrative barriers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
high school history teacher (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having access to these preserved sites would enrich the teaching materials and offer field trip opportunities for students.
- While the funding is promising, local implementation is key to seeing real benefits in education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
retired historian (Birmingham, Alabama)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see a formal program for such important sites, but I worry about whether the funds are adequate given the number of burial grounds needing attention.
- As someone who has campaigned for this type of preservation, I hope the program is executed effectively with local input.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
librarian (Jackson, Mississippi)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could complement the local efforts to document and share knowledge about African-American burial sites that have been forgotten.
- I'm hopeful that additional funding might allow for more community engagement and exhibitions.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
environmental scientist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this policy isn't directly related to my work, I see the value in preserving cultural heritage as part of maintaining community identity.
- I hope it inspires similar preservation efforts in other minority communities and environmental contexts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
artist (Charleston, South Carolina)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the potential for new inspiration and materials from preserved sites which can enhance the narrative of my art.
- However, much depends on whether this policy truly reaches grassroots level and involves artists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring a thorough documentation process to identify burial grounds effectively and without major oversight errors.
- Engaging communities to maintain cultural sensitivity and gain local support and input.
- Balancing the preservation efforts with the budget constraints and administrative capacity of the National Park Service.