This bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal for Arturo Alfonso Schomburg to honor his work in preserving and promoting the history and culture of the African diaspora.
Nydia Velázquez
Representative
NY-7
The "Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal for Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, to honor his work in collecting and preserving the history and culture of the African diaspora. Following the award ceremony, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs.
Congressional Gold Medal for Arturo Alfonso Schomburg: A Legacy Preserved
The "Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act" officially recognizes a man who dedicated his life to uncovering and celebrating Black history. Born in Puerto Rico in 1874, Schomburg made it his mission to document the global contributions of Africans and their descendants, a mission that brought him to New York City and into the heart of the Harlem Renaissance.
Unearthing History
This bill authorizes the posthumous awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to Schomburg, acknowledging his monumental efforts in collecting over 10,000 items related to Black history. These weren't just any items; we're talking works by legends like Frederick Douglass and Phillis Wheatley (SEC. 2). Schomburg didn't just hoard this collection—he made it accessible. In 1926, his collection became the cornerstone of what is now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a resource that has since grown to over 10 million items.
Beyond the Medal
The Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of the medal (SEC. 3). But it goes further, ensuring Schomburg's legacy lives on. The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture, where it will be displayed and made available for research. Think of it like this: a priceless piece of history, honoring a man who preserved countless others, now available for all to see. Congress even suggests the medal should be shown at other locations linked to Schomburg's work (SEC. 3).
Making History Accessible
For those who want a piece of this history, the bill allows the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal (SEC. 4). This is a chance to own a tangible representation of Schomburg's legacy, with the proceeds going back into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund (SEC. 6). These medals are officially designated as national medals and classified as numismatic items, meaning they're recognized for their historical and collectible value (SEC. 5). This means that if you are a coin collector, this is a nice addition to your collection!
In short, this isn't just about a medal; it's about officially recognizing and making sure that the work of a man who revealed a rich, global history is itself remembered and honored in a lasting, tangible way.