Efforts to preserve and repair historic US Black churches get $8.5m boost
Briefly

The National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded $8.5 million to 30 historically Black churches through its Preserving Black Churches grant programme. This initiative focuses on sustainability and survival, addressing threats such as structural damage and deferred maintenance. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and cover diverse preservation needs, including accessibility upgrades and interpretation programmes. The Action Fund, launched in 2017, is the largest resource for preserving Black historical sites, highlighting the importance of funding and protecting diverse histories and legacies in America.
"The Black church is one of the oldest institutions created by African Americans, and it is a living testament to the achievements, resiliency and enduring contributions of Black people to American history and culture."
"Historically Black churches are facing numerous preservation threats, including demolition, deferred maintenance and structural issues, but also the limitations of sharing their histories and legacies with the public."
"Our nation is rich in diverse history, but it has often been poor in its funding, protection and preservation of that history."
"This affirms why it's critically important that we have an action fund and a programme like this, to ensure the conservation and celebration of this history."
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