The BMRC Short-Term Summer Fellowship Program is made possible by the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The BMRC facilitates the exchange of ideas across the fellowship cohort and through public programs featuring the fellows' research. New, original work, develops as a result and illuminates the national and international importance of Chicago's African American community.

Currently, the BMRC's membership is comprised of Chicago-based libraries, universities, Second Space organizations, and other archival institutions. By sharing resources and expertise and jointly developing collections, the BMRC facilitates access to African American materials in Chicago institutions and provides an enhanced service to researchers, publishers and students.