Kansas House Bill HR6014

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Passed: 3/8/23
• Enrolled: 3/14/23
• Passed: 3/14/23

Caption

Commending the United States African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Program.

Impact

The introduction of this preservation program has significant implications for state laws and local governance concerning the treatment of historical sites. By highlighting the need for preservation efforts, HR6014 suggests a shift toward more proactive measures in safeguarding these culturally important sites against development projects that may inadvertently damage them. This could lead to local regulations being developed or adjusted to ensure that such sacred sites receive the attention they deserve, promoting historical consciousness and community engagement.

Summary

House Resolution 6014 commends the United States African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Program. This program, established by the United States African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Act, aims to provide grants and technical assistance for the identification, preservation, and restoration of African-American burial grounds, which are often unmarked and forgotten. The resolution emphasizes the historical significance of these burial grounds as they represent not only the final resting place for many African-Americans, including Civil War soldiers, but also the broader narrative of their struggles against unequal treatment throughout history.

Contention

While the resolution aims to promote the preservation of African-American burial grounds, there may be points of contention regarding the impact on developments in the vicinity of these sites. Stakeholders, including local governments and developers, might raise questions about the implications of the program on infrastructure projects that involve land near designated burial grounds. Moreover, the challenge remains to balance community respect for these historical sites with the need for urban development, which could create tensions among descendants, preservationists, and those focused on economic growth.