In June, we announced that we were doing anti-racist work, both as individuals and as a company. We’ve been reading books and articles, watching documentaries and movies, and educating ourselves in other ways. Our recent donation to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund proved to be so eye-opening that we want to tell you all about it.
At RLM, we’re in the business of helping you tell your story—no matter who you are or where you come from. While this is fulfilling work, it’s important to acknowledge that the telling of Black stories has all too often been pushed aside.
So we were thrilled when we learned that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has created an initiative to change that, in part by launching the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. The Fund’s mission, in their own words, is “to draw attention to the remarkable stories that evoke centuries of African American activism and achievement, and to tell our nation’s full history.”
The Fund, which is the largest preservation campaign ever undertaken on behalf of African American history, has provided millions of dollars in grants to historically relevant towns and districts; museums, churches, schools, and other buildings; and organizations. They also help support a program that trains young people in historic preservation trades. The Fund recognizes that stories aren’t told only through words and photos—they’re also told through landscapes and buildings that conserve Black history.
We were blown away by the Fund’s dedication to its mission of preserving Black stories, sites, and legacies—especially “remarkable” ones! That initiative—to uncover narratives that might otherwise never see the light of day—resonates strongly with us. And so we’re proud to support a cause that shares our values and does crucial work, especially in these fraught times.
We believe that everyone should be able to tell their story, joyfully and with real meaning. We especially believe in uplifting voices and narratives that have historically been silenced. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to check out the Fund’s website and see for yourself their important work. And, of course, continue doing your own anti-racist work, educating yourself, and raising your consciousness. Black Lives Matter.
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