The Initiative
The NCCAAA Initiative seeks to determine whether and how a durable North Carolina state-level body focused on African American affairs could be justified and established. This is a question under investigation, not a conclusion.
The project is studying existing institutional assignments and potential overlap before identifying any function for a proposed state body. Possible subject areas under examination include public policy, institutional conditions, state programs, coordination, research, community voice, recommendations, and accountability. Listing an area does not assign a duty to a future commission.
Where the work stands
Phase 0 began October 5, 2026. Team formation organizing is underway, and preliminary North Carolina landscape and anti-duplication research is occurring within Phase 0. The initiative has not advanced beyond Phase 0. The Policy Group has not yet held its first meeting, and no formal Policy Group research findings or decisions have been adopted.
Underway now
- Phase 0 team formation organizing, which began October 5, 2026
- Formation of the Policy Group
- Preliminary North Carolina landscape and anti-duplication research, occurring within Phase 0
Not yet begun or adopted
- The Policy Group’s first meeting
- Formal Policy Group research findings
- Policy Group decisions
- The formal NC landscape and anti-duplication stage
- Need/gap determination, pathway comparison, and institutional design, which remain gated
Numbers show the order of stages only. They do not indicate that formal Policy Group research has taken place or that any decision has been made. See the full sequence on the Formation Research page.
Why the initiative exists
This initiative was launched to examine a formation question rather than presume its answer. North Carolina’s existing structures must be documented and compared before the initiative can establish whether a separate African American affairs body would serve a materially distinct governmental function.
What the effort is examining
The preliminary research maps existing North Carolina governmental bodies, their legal authorities, duties, populations served, public reporting arrangements, and areas of possible overlap. The work tests whether relevant functions are already assigned, partially assigned, fragmented, population-neutral, population-specific, or supported by insufficient evidence. No “unfilled gap” finding will be declared simply because a similar body has not been identified.
What this website does not provide
This is an independent initiative in formation, not an established governmental institution or incorporated nonprofit. Its website is a limited information and inquiry channel. It does not accept membership applications, provide government services, handle individual complaints, offer legal assistance, or solicit donations.
Who leads the work
Daron L. Davis initiated the project and serves as its Originator and Principal. Volunteers may contribute to formation-stage work; the Policy Group is not a governmental board or established coalition. No participant will be publicly named without separate confirmation and permission.
The Principal retains decision and publication authority. The Policy Group has not yet held its first meeting.
Geographic scope
North Carolina statewide scope. No specific region is being designated as the governmental jurisdiction of a body that does not yet exist.
Origin of the effort
The initiative followed a 2026 ASALH conference workshop concerning the formation of state commissions on African American history and culture. The 2026 Maryland formation blueprint informs the initiative’s research process, but the North Carolina African American affairs question is substantively distinct from an African American history-and-culture commission. This reference does not imply Maryland or ASALH sponsorship or endorsement.
Review the current formation research or send a general inquiry.