Bill Overview
Title: African Diaspora Heritage Month Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates September as African Diaspora Heritage Month.
Sponsors: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals of African descent living outside of Africa
Estimated Size: 46000000
- The African Diaspora consists of people of African descent who live outside of Africa, primarily those who are descendants of the transatlantic slave trade and more recent voluntary immigrants.
- Globally, the African Diaspora can be found in various regions including North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- Estimates of the African Diaspora vary, but it is generally considered to be in the hundreds of millions, considering both those who identify directly with African heritage and those who are second or third-generation immigrants.
- As a cultural recognition event, African Diaspora Heritage Month would primarily impact individuals and communities who identify with African heritage by providing them with official recognition and a platform for celebration and education.
Reasoning
- The budget for the African Diaspora Heritage Month Act is limited, meaning large-scale changes in wellbeing are unlikely due to the scale of the policy compared to the size of the population.
- The policy is cultural in nature, focusing on recognition and celebration. As such, it might improve emotional and social wellbeing in a way that could be scaled by local community involvement.
- The population impacted is primarily individuals with African heritage in the U.S., which number over 40 million.
- Given the limited budget, the direct benefits may be experience more in urban areas where communities can leverage existing structures.
- Impact will likely vary widely based on individual connection to African heritage, engagement with cultural events, and the presence of local initiatives to celebrate.
Simulated Interviews
School Teacher (Brooklyn, NY)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great to have a month dedicated to celebrate our heritage.
- It'll bring much-needed attention to African contributions in America.
- It might help bridge understanding across different communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Software Developer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having this recognition at a national level feels validating.
- I think it could strengthen our visibility and unity as a diaspora.
- I’m looking forward to the events that could spring up in the future because of this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could breathe more life into community events.
- It’s another opportunity to teach younger generations about our history.
- I hope it leads to more funding and support for local cultural projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Graphic Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s exciting to have a whole month focused on our diaspora.
- I hope it sparks more interest in our cultural arts and stories.
- It's an opportunity to explore our shared identities and differences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Pastor (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could strengthen the community's sense of pride and history.
- It aligns with my work in social justice campaigns.
- Hope this leads to increased opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across cultures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College Student (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see it as an empowering moment for the African students on campus.
- It's crucial for addressing misconceptions about African heritage.
- I think it'll encourage more students to engage with cultural clubs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Entrepreneur (Miami, FL)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This month allows us to highlight Afro-Cuban culture nationally.
- I hope it will inspire more people to explore their identity.
- It could help my business by attracting new culturally themed events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Hollywood Actress (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Bringing such celebrations to the mainstream creates awareness.
- It can be a platform to discuss representation in careers like mine.
- The unity it sparks is invaluable, especially in our times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Historian (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a start of a broader recognition movement.
- Education around this month could impact broader societal appreciation.
- Engagement from governmental agencies can amplify local history projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is a positive step for highlighting our stories.
- Hopefully, it will keep our history alive for my grandchildren.
- I look forward to seeing what kind of events can be coordinated.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000 (Low: $100000, High: $500000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill provides cultural recognition rather than direct financial assistance or requirements.
- Cost estimates are focused on potential minimal federal administrative or outreach activities.