African Americans and NAGPRA: The Call for an African American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Summary

Increasing urbanization and gentrification have led to the rapid development of some of America's largest cities. As urban space becomes more scarce, African American heritage sites face increasing threats from developers and city planners alike. In light the 50th anniversary of the National Heritage Preservation Act and more than 25 years after the passage of NAGPRA, this paper highlights the disparities and challenges associated with preserving African American heritage sites in the USA. Additionally, this paper explores the potential for the creation of an African American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (AAGPRA) to assist in the designation and preservation of African American heritage sites and material culture with a special focus on African American cemeteries and burial remains.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• New Considerations in African Diaspora Material Culture and Heritage   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 986