Alsobrooks, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Arts Education for HBCUs

May 13, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) introduced the HBCU Arts Act, legislation to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds – including arts education – for grants to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). So many HBCU alumni have gone on to become leaders in the arts field – from Roberta Flack, to Spike Lee, to Amy Sherald. Maryland is home to four tremendous HBCUs – Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “It is critical we invest in arts education for students at HBCUs. Just as HBCUs are homes to future lawyers, doctors, scientists, and educators – they are also home to aspiring artists, musicians, actors, and singers. Investing in the arts fuels our economy, brings together our communities, and moves us during challenging times of great division and fear – much like the moment we are in right now. Now, more than ever, we need to bolster our support for HBCUs to ensure they are best equipped to train the next generation of leaders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “HBCUs are some of the most important institutions in our country.  Art and history make up the very fabric of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we will be. West Virginia’s story is especially unique, and through our arts, we’ve been able to tell the world how special we are. I’m proud to partner with Senator Alsobrooks on the HBCU Arts Act to give these schools more opportunities to invest in arts education and continue telling our stories,” said Senator Jim Justice. “The HBCU Arts Act is an important piece of legislation that ensures our nation’s HBCUs can access the funds they need to support the arts and arts education. By providing key federal dollars to the arts and arts education, this legislation helps to establish important services for students to take advantage of in addition to preserving cultural assets and collections at HBCUs. As a graduate of Howard University, I have seen how HBCUs foster artistic excellence and creative leadership. Thank you to the Senators for introducing this legislation and bringing us one step closer to enacting the HBCU Arts Act into law,” Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts. The HBCU Arts Act would allow HBCUs to use existing federal grant funding to support arts, arts education, and cultural programs. New allowable uses include financial assistance to arts students; outreach and development offices for arts departments; wrap-around services (mentorship, counseling, and career advising); exhibition and preservation of Black art collections; and paid internships, apprenticeships, and fellowship opportunities in collaboration with nonprofit and cultural institutions. Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in April. It has 17 cosponsors in the House. Read full bill text here . ###