The proposed resolution, introduced by Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, seeks to declare an emergency to authorize the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to issue a grant to the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation, Inc. This funding is intended to support the completion of the African American Civil War Museum (AACWM), which has been serving the public for over 20 years by educating visitors about the contributions of Black and brown soldiers during the Civil War. The museum attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually and provides valuable resources for educators, scholars, and the community.

The resolution emphasizes the urgent need for grant funding to address a financial gap that is hindering the museum's expansion, which is aligned with recommendations from the Office of Planning's DUKE small area plan for the historic Cardozo/Shaw neighborhood. The emergency legislation aims to extend the Deputy Mayor's authority to issue these grants, as the current authority is set to expire. The Council has determined that the circumstances warrant immediate action, allowing the resolution to take effect right away after a single reading.