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BCALA Receives IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program Award

[NEW YORK, JULY 28, 2020 ]– The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) is the recipient of an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program Award in the amount of $99,934.00.  The planning grant will assemble partners from key American Library Association Divisions and Offices, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the University of Michigan’s Program for Research on Black Americans, and other experts in the field to explore and catalogue current Black History Month (BHM) programming. 

According to  Deborah Robinson, Principal Investigator and Assistant Director, Program for Research on Black Americans (PRBA) for International Programs Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan,  “We are very excited that the Black Caucus of the American Library Association has been given this opportunity to explore Black History Month programming in public libraries.  This planning grant is the first step towards a more comprehensive project on the subject.  We believe the grant is very timely given the heightened awareness of structural racism and discrimination in the country, and in light of the programming challenges due to the pandemic.”

This planning grant will result in: 

1. a comprehensive literature review
2. a taxonomy of BHM programming, 
3. a sampling plan, and 
4. a draft framework for a future national research study.

“BCALA is thrilled to receive this planning grant to support Black History Month programming.  Our goal is to tell our story, from our perspective, and help libraries promote the contributions of African Americans.  This is the work BCALA has been doing for 50 years and we look forward to continuing this work for the next 50 and beyond,” said Shauntee Burns-Simpson, President of BCALA.

“As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”

About the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)
BCALA serves as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community; and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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