Comptroller Susana Mendoza has presented a check for nearly $558,000 to the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago. This payment is the first installment of a $1.9 million state grant awarded for Fiscal Year 2026 to support the museum’s operations and capital expenses.
“I am so pleased to deliver this grant money to the nation’s oldest independent Black history museum,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “It’s vital we support museums that preserve the accomplishments and challenges of the past. As we see history being erased like the removal of an exhibit on slavery in Philadelphia, it’s more important than ever to preserve and learn from critical moments in history.”
The DuSable Museum houses over 15,000 items including artwork and historical memorabilia, and offers special exhibitions such as “Paris in Black” and “The Harold Washington Story.” The museum also provides lectures and workshops.
Perri Irmer, representing the DuSable Museum, expressed appreciation for the funding: “Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s continued support of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center shows her understanding of how important our mission is, especially in these terrible times. We are this nation’s oldest independent Black history museum, so when truth and history are under attack The DuSable’s work is essential, and the American history we teach is an important tool in combatting racism, intolerance and hatred. We can’t do what we do without funding, so it’s important for us to get our state grant funds as quickly as possible. Comptroller Mendoza helped that happen. And of course, we wouldn’t have this grant money but for our friends and supporters in the Illinois General Assembly, especially Senator Elgie Sims, Rep. Kim du Buclet and Rep. Kam Buckner. Thank all of you for what you do! These funds have been used to renovate our 450-seat theater, our bathrooms and other parts of this historic building, so that our visitors have a pleasant and comfortable experience while they learn the truth and beauty of Black culture, art and history.”
Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun chairs the museum board: “the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center carries out a vital mission in Illinois. This grant provides the opportunity for the museum to expand its programs and services. This is particularly timely, given the recent challenges to the Smithsonian Institution.”
State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr., who led efforts for securing this grant funding said: “People from every corner of the world visit Chicago to learn about Black history,” Senator Sims said. “From the foundation of the labor movement to exhibits that explore the life of Emmett Till, the DuSable Black History Museum honors this legacy. With the additional support of this grant, the museum can continue showcasing its vital work and empowering future generations.”
Area Representative Kimberly du Buclet commented: “At a time when Washington is sending signals that the stories and histories of communities like ours don’t matter, this investment sends a powerful message,” she said. “As House Chairwoman of the Committee on Museums, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, I am committed to ensuring our museums are equipped to educate the public and preserve truthful, accurate history that reflects the full story of our communities.”
The Illinois Office of Comptroller manages payments for state awards such as these grants while overseeing government finances across Illinois through offices based in Springfield and Chicago (official website). The office serves as Illinois’ chief fiscal officer by maintaining financial records (official website), processing over 1.5 million payments each year (official website), providing transparency through public data portals (official website), tracking expenditures with tools like OpenBooks (official website), promoting fiscal responsibility (official website), safeguarding taxpayer funds (official website), supporting oversight through reporting (official website), operating statewide across all counties (official website), managing public borrowing via registries (official website), fostering accountability (official website)—and ensuring resources are available both from Springfield headquarters as well as their Chicago office (official website).
Black History Month begins Sunday.
