Brent Leggs

Brent Leggs is the executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund – a preservation campaign of the National Trust for Historic Preservation focused on elevating the remarkable stories and places that evoke centuries of Black activism, achievement, and community. Envisioned as a social movement for justice, equity, and reconciliation, the Fund is promoting the role of cultural preservation in telling the nation’s full history, while also empowering cultural activists, entrepreneurs, artists, and civic leaders to advocate on behalf of African American history.

Brent led efforts to create the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in Alabama, which President Barack Obama designated in January 2017. He also helped to preserve and protect historic icons like Villa Lewaro, the estate of Madam C. J. Walker in Irvington, New York; Joe Frazier’s Gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey; A. G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham; Nina Simone’s birthplace in Tryon, North Carolina, John and Alice Coltrane’s home in Dix Hills, New York; and more. In addition, Brent also advises Historically Black Colleges and Universities, ensuring these campuses are preserved for future generations. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland’s Graduate Program in Historic Preservation.