As Federal Grants Fade, What’s Next?

Last week, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced sweeping staff cuts — eliminating 70% of its workforce — and the cancellation of its grant programs for the foreseeable future. This includes recently awarded grants, which will now be rescinded. The NEH has long supported state humanities councils and funded powerful documentaries that explore American history and culture, such as Mr. Soul and Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands. These projects often relied on a public-private funding model, with filmmakers securing matching funds to unlock NEH support — an effective example of collaborative impact.

A Serious Blow

The loss of NEH funding is a serious blow, especially for documentary filmmakers committed to telling the complex and diverse stories that define America. While I wish Black Public Media could fill the gap, our current resources don’t match the scale of the NEH. Still, I’m not standing still. Advocacy is one way forward, and I’m using every opportunity to amplify the importance of supporting Black stories and their creators during this uncertain time.

On Monday, I joined a panel at the American Black Foundation Executives’ Harambee Conference titled: Black Media and Philanthropy, moderated by Tracie Powell of the Pivot Fund. Alongside Saba Long of Atlantic Civic Circle, and Patrice Greene of the Surdna Foundation, we discussed how the current political climate is affecting journalism and Black storytelling and what philanthropy can do in response. There are no easy answers, but in a room full of decision-makers, I left hopeful that someone is listening.

PitchBLACK is Coming

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