On July 16, 2004, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) convened a day-long forum of leaders in the African American museum community, as well as leaders in the museum community at large, to explore the evolving role of African American museums, their contributions, and their challenges. This report provides a synthesis of the July meeting. A clear outcome of the meeting was that IMLS must continue to work closely with the African American museum community to raise awareness about its existing grant opportunities and to create new opportunities. This summary is intended to stimulate further conversation and collaboration between IMLS and the vital constituency of African American museums. Topics discussed were the roles of strategic planning, fundraising, marketing and outreach, museum operations, governance, strengthening and accessing field resources, and challenges ahead. Also presented is a list of forum participants and the text of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act: Section 7, Educational and Liaison Programs.