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

two flat building with group of girls passing in front
July 6, 2026

Memory Teas - Remembering the Dan Ryan Displaced 7/11 and 7/18

The BMRC is looking for Chicagoans who have a living memory of the "Dan Ryan Displaced," those people whose lives were upended in the late 1950s to build the expressway.

flyer with pic and info including qr code
June 23, 2026

OPEN Call for BMRC Board Treasurer

The Black Metropolis Research Consortium invites applications for the position of Board Treasurer.

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

View all BMRC News

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