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

image by John White 1970s Chicago public domain, man holding balloons for sale
April 28, 2026

20th Anniversary Celebratory Events

Explore events scheduled this year to celebrate 20 years of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium

Woman holding up BMRC t-shirt
April 27, 2026

BMRC "Archiving is Resistance" T-shirt Now on Sale!

The BMRC " Archiving is Resistance" t-shirt is FINALLY available for purchase!

flyer with guiding info for symposium
April 20, 2026

REGISTRATION OPEN: BMRC 20th Anniversary Symposium on Black Chicago - June 17-18, 2026

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium welcomes you to two days of deep learning and discussion exploring contemporary scholarship on Black Chicago History.

View all BMRC News

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