Who we are

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) is an expanding consortium of Chicago-based archives, libraries, and museums. Its mission is to connect all who seek to document, share, understand and preserve Black experiences. Through archival processing initiatives, research fellowships for scholars and artists, archival internships for students, and diverse public programming, the BMRC facilitates increased awareness of the experiences of African American and other African diaspora communities by expanding access to its members’ holdings of materials that document African American and African diaspora culture, history, and politics, with a specific focus on materials relating to Chicago.

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What does the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) do?

DISCOVER COLLECTIONS ON BLACK EXPERIENCES

Find out about many of Chicago's rich primary resources related to Black history and culture now made accessible in one place!

Explore our Archives Collection

Recent News

logos of NPHM, HoneyPot and HAMOC
February 18, 2026

Spotlight on the BMRC’s Three New Community Archives Members Helping Keep Black Chicago’s Stories Alive

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium welcomes three community-based member institutions whose work preserves and amplifies Black history and culture in Chicago. The National Public Housing Museum, Chicago Black Social Culture Map, and Haitian American Museum of Chicago each bring unique approach

Flyer for the book talk with QR code and picture of book cover
February 18, 2026

BMRC Fellow New Book Talk with David Stovall

The BMRC hosts a new book discussion with David Stovall in conversation with Damon Williams at the Forum Cafe

February 9, 2026

Wikipedia Edit-a-thon: Black Chicago History

Join us on 2/26 from 3pm to 6pm at UChicago Library for a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon dedicated to Black Chicago history: the people, places, culture, and movements that have shaped this city into the vibrant Black Metropolis we know it to be.

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