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Check Out the MCAAHC FY2026 Annual Report

Amplifying Maryland’s Black History, for Today and Tomorrow: The MCAAHC FY2026 Annual Report Is Here!

We are thrilled to release the FY 2026 Annual Report for the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC), the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum (BDTM), and the African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP)!

FY2026 was a historic year defined by momentum, discipline, and transformative impact. This past year tested institutions nationwide. Across the country, African American history was too often treated as something to be negotiated—language softened, exhibitions reviewed, and vital funding challenged. But we chose to ask ourselves, how far can our work can reach?

From national acclaim on the museum floor to vital historic preservation investments in every corner of Maryland, our accomplishments reflect the tireless dedication of our staff, Commissioners, Foundation board, institutional partners, and community members. Together, we are ensuring that African American history remains central to Maryland’s identity, culture, and future.

Highlights at a Glance

  • 🏛️ National Acclaim & Cultural Impact: Our landmark exhibition, She Speaks: Black Women Artists & the Power of Historical Memory added three major works to our permanent collection, and earned spots on ArtNet’s “6 Must-See Exhibits” and Hyperallergic’s top national shows.
  • 💰 Unprecedented Investment in Preservation: The African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP)—co-administered with the Maryland Historical Trust—awarded $5 million across 29 historic sites in 2026, protecting sacred churches, historic cemeteries, schools, and landmarks statewide.
  • 🏛️ Historic Capital Investments: We secured a $1 million capital bond for museum permanent exhibition pre-development, a $250,000 heritage preservation appropriation, and a $100,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to launch our upcoming Sacred Spaces Artist-in-Residency program.
  • 📚 Advocacy & Community Engagement: Expanded our Statewide Book Drive III across 12 counties (achieving 50% statewide participation) to fight against false narratives and book suppression, while honoring history through new state historical markers, including the Belvoir Historical Marker.
  • 🌍 Global Ties & Youth Leadership: Led an international expeditionary learning trip to Senegal with 15 youth and community delegates, tracing the deep historical and cultural connections between West Africa and Maryland.

Grateful for Our People & Partners

Our progress reflects the unwavering resolve of Governor Wes Moore, MCAAHC Chair Dr. Kali-Ahset Amen, Executive Director Chanel C. Johnson, our dedicated Board of Commissioners, and our 10-member professional staff and fellows.

We extend our deep gratitude to the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Foundation, its immediate-past president, Rev. Dr. Tamara England, its current president Donna Cypress, our corporate sponsors, and grantors—including PNC Bank, BGE, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Association of African American Museums, and the Terra Foundation—who stand alongside us as partners in this vital work.

📄 Read and download the complete FY2026 Annual Report here to explore more.