Who we are

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) is an expanding consortium of Chicago-based archives, libraries, and museums. Its mission is to cultivate and steward a network of all who seek to document, share, understand and preserve Black Chicago 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.

Learn more about us

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

people sitting around a table at the southside community art center 1941
October 1, 2026

Open Call for BMRC Board of Directors positions

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium invites applications for open positions on its Board of Directors from individuals in the Chicago area who share and support our mission to cultivate and steward a network of all who seek to document, share, understand and preserve Black Chicago experiences

image of Black people at beach
September 22, 2026

2026 ANNUAL MEETING (Virtual) - October 21, 2026

Join the BMRC for its 2026 Virtual Annual Meeting with Special Sneak Preview of a groundbreaking book on Black Chicago histories.

transcript from court case in archives file
September 3, 2026

National Archives at Chicago - Notable Black History Records

The National Archives at Chicago, which is more than 50 years old, contains many important records related to efforts to secure justice by Black Chicagoans.

View all BMRC News

Stay in Touch!

Sign up for our newsletter or view the newsletter archive