Organizational Background:

In 2004, the Bronzeville Community Development Partnership formed a steering committee to work on the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Project, hosting heritage development Summits in 2005, 2007 and 2008.  In 2007 a twelve member delegation attended the Alliance of National Heritage Areas International Conference in Detroit Michigan. In 2008 they hosted a legislative reception during the Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism in Springfield, IL and presented a proposal to have the state designate the Great Migration Centennial.  The Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission was incorporated in 2008.  After more than four years of working with U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush, House Resolution 5505 “to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating the study area as the Black Metropolis District National Heritage Area in the State of Illinois, and for other Purposes”   was originally introduced into the United States House of Representatives on February 27, 2008. 

The purpose of the Heritage Area Commission is to promote heritage and cultural tourism in the near south side Chicago community of Bronzeville by seeking a National Heritage Area (NHA) designation from the National Park Service.  The Commission is charged with developing, executing, and overseeing a management plan for the NHA, as well as raising the funds to support the NHA and building consensus in the community.  We strive to facilitate community development, coordinate the efforts of various groups and individuals, and attract both public and private funding in the Bronzeville community. 

The Heritage Area Commission is located in the heart of the Bronzeville community and is committed to sharing the

history and legacy of the Great Migration as a significant American Story.  This commitment has been demonstrated

through two decades of preservation efforts to save the physical places that tell our story. 

(l-r) Bruce Montgomery, Gihan Foreman, Paula Robinson, Mell Monroe (Corlis Moody, not pictured)

Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission
Board of Directors:

Paula Robinson
President

Bruce Montgomery
Vice President

Corlis Moody
Vice President

Gihan Foreman
Treasurer

Mell Monroe
Secretary