African American filmmakers and television pioneers have shaped global culture, yet many of their stories remain underrepresented or at risk of being lost. NMAAFT is committed to preserving this rich visual legacy through archival collections, curated exhibitions, and historical documentation. By safeguarding films, scripts, photographs, and oral histories, the museum ensures that past achievements remain accessible to scholars, creatives, and the public. Preservation is not only about honoring the past—it is about creating a foundation for future storytellers to learn from, build upon, and reimagine Black narratives for generations to come.