1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023 . 2. Council on African American history and culture (a) Establishment There is established in the National Endowment for the Humanities a National Council on African American History and Culture (referred to in this section as the Council ). (b) Membership (1) Number and appointment The Council shall be composed of 12 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (2) Qualifications The members of the Council shall be individuals who— (A) are selected from among private citizens of the United States who are recognized for their broad knowledge of, expertise in, or commitment to the preservation and celebration of African-American history and culture; (B) are not currently employees of the Federal Government; and (C) have established records of distinguished service, scholarship, or creativity. (3) Considerations In appointing members to the Council under paragraph (1), the President— (A) shall give due regard to equitable representation of women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities who are involved in the humanities; and (B) shall select such members in a manner that ensures a comprehensive representation of the views of scholars and professional practitioners in the humanities and of the public throughout the United States. (4) Chairperson; vice chairperson The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Council shall be designated by the President from among the members of the Council. The Vice Chairperson shall act as Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson. (5) Term of office; vacancies; reappointment (A) In general Each member shall be appointed for a term of 5 years, except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C). (B) Terms of initial appointees As designated by the President at the time of the appointment, of the members first appointed to the Council under paragraph (1)— (i) 6 shall be appointed for terms of 3 years