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concerned, it is unrealistic to make plans for Anacostia entirely in isolation from the other planning process.

Mr. Kinard is a much respected leader in the African American museum field, and his views on the need to give Anacostia the full and independent consideration it deserves need to be taken fully into account. It continues to be the position of the Secretary, however, that such considerations can only be given while taking some account of the context of African American programs and facilities planning generally. Hence the five-step program outlined in the Executive Summary of the January 25, 1989 report to Mr. Yates remains a valid outline of the steps the Secretary intends to take next.

These five steps are;

(1) Enhance the representation of minority achievements and concerns, and improve access to and participation in all African American activities throughout the Smithsonian.

(2) With the concurrence of the Regents, initiate a process for the establishment of a presence on the Mall which will concentrate on the public display, research, and collecting activities associated with African American history, art, and culture.

(3) Establish an advisory committee to address the issues of mandate and location of this new facility. The same advisory committee whose advice will be sought on the possible mandate and location of a centrally located facility will also be asked to make recommendation as to the location, mandate, and possible future growth of the Anacostia Museum. Needless to say, the committee will be requested to give due consideration to the unique and historical relationship of the Anacostia Museum to its community and to ways in which the functions it serves can be appropriately enhanced.

(4) Broaden the Smithsonian's relationship with the African American Museum Association and other African American collecting institutions so as to develop policies for collecting artifacts and documents which record the history and contributions of the African American community. The Smithsonian's intention would be to become the best collaborative partner possible within these new avenues of communication. 

(5) Reaffirm the Smithsonian's commitment to the Anacostia Museum and to its mission as an effective community museum as well as to the African American community it serves.

At this time, with regard to the Administration's African American program, and in addition to the Institution's continued emphasis on extending and improving minority programming within its existing bureaus, the Secretary would like to solicit the views of the Regents on the following next steps that he proposes to take, with the understanding that the Regents' approval or authorization will be sought for specific measures as they are developed: