July 9, 2020 9:45 a.m.

Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has announced his co-sponsorship of legislation which he said would increase awareness and understanding of African American history across schools in Oregon and nationwide through expanded access to programming from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

A release said the 1619 Act would provide federal funding to support African American history educational programs through workshops and professional development activities for educators.

Wyden said students need a foundational knowledge of African American history to better understand the nation. He said the legislation would “provide schools and educators with the tools they need to expand their curriculum and ensure our children get a broader, more complete understanding of the nation’s past”.