About Us
Celebrating and promoting accessibility to Black heritage across the United States
Our Story
The Black Grassroots Heritage Preservation Network was founded by Marcus P. Smith, a Black Studies Scholar, Public Historian, Historical Consultant, and Ph.D. candidate in the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies and Public History Program at UMass Amherst. His work and research focus on the history of social movements and the preservation and interpretation of Black cultural landscapes, communities, and historic sites.
Rooted in his personal experiences growing up in the South and his academic and professional work with communities, museums, and preservation efforts, Smith established BGHPN to address challenges Black communities face in preserving their history. His dedication to carrying forward collective Black histories informs BGHPN’s mission to protect, document, share, and amplify these vital cultural narratives. Smith seeks to empower individuals, groups, organizations, and communities through this initiative to ensure their stories and contributions are recognized, sustained, and celebrated.
Mission
The Black Grassroots and Heritage Preservation Network (BGHPN) aims to promote the cultural and historical heritage preservation of Black communities. By leveraging digital platforms, advocating for greater access and protection of cultural sites, and amplifying grassroots preservation efforts, we aim to combat the erasure of Black stories and develop a network of providing individuals, groups, organizations, and communities with the resources and support they need to sustain their preservation initiatives. We work to ensure that these histories are not just preserved, but celebrated and shared with future generations.
Vision
To create a future where preserving Black history and cultural heritage is universally accessible, and to empower communities and individuals, beyond traditional institutions, to lead sustainable grassroots preservation efforts with the tools, resources, and support needed to protect their stories and spaces for generations.
Values
BGHPN values collaboration, inclusion, accessibility, education, and social justice. We cultivate ethical partnerships, elevate diverse, community-led preservation efforts, and broaden access to preservation tools and knowledge. We inform the public about rich local Black histories and wield heritage work to confront historical erasure and advance social equity.