Promise of the Dream

THE PROMISE AND THE DREAM: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MLK

African American history is deeply woven into the fabric of the United States, from the struggles of slavery and segregation to the ongoing fight for civil rights and justice.

The National Archives preserves and protects a wealth of African American history records, including records from the slave trade, civil rights cases, photographs, military records, and the writings of activists, artists, and everyday citizens. These records document the lives, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans across centuries.

On the African American Research page, the National Archives provides online access to records documenting African American history in collections that focus on the Black Power movement, voting rights, mass migrations, and more. Featured records include the March on Washington and President Barack Obama.