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About SBARCM

SBARCM is dedicated to recording and preserving Black history in Alabama and serves as a space for sharing the rich, often overlooked, narratives of Black people across time. Through its collections—ranging from personal artifacts and historical documents to artwork and oral histories—SBARCM offers a nuanced discussion of the experiences, contributions, and resilience of Black communities. It strives not only honor the struggles and triumphs of the past but also act as an educational hub, encouraging dialogue, reflection, and healing. By showcasing the depth of Black heritage and culture in Alabama, we hope to foster a sense of pride and identity, while also challenging historical narratives and empowering future generations to continue the fight for equality, justice, and cultural recognition.

SBA was originally proposed by Representative Dr. George W. Grayson to the Alabama State Legislature in 1984. Known as H. 757, the bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate; however it seems to have failed before it reached the Senate floor for approval. In 1985, Senator Fred Horn championed S. 83, which passed the Senate under his guidance and the House with help from Rep. Grayson. 

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SBA was established by the Alabama State Legislature in 1985 (Act No. 944 - S.83 Horn):

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​AN ACT To provide a “State Black Archives, Research Center and Museum” at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University; creating a repository of source materials on Afro-American history and culture and providing authority to receive available funds.

Alabama Laws (and Joint Resolutions) of the Legislature of Alabama Passed at the Second Special Session, 1985, Vol. I. https://archive.org/details/alabama-acts-1985_special/page/n283/mode/2up

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© 2025 by State Black Archives Research Center and Museum​

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