Robert Van Guez, president of the Fayetteville–Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, introduced a consultant team that presented the results of community outreach and initial planning for a proposed Black Voices Museum.

Dr. Dov Evans summarized the engagement approach—nine interviews, three vision workshops with 47 participants, pop‑ups and a 51‑respondent survey—and emphasized a focus on youth programming and storytelling to preserve local history. "We were commissioned with answering just a few questions that really drove the work," Evans said.

Roger Smith of Gensler walked commissioners through conceptual renderings and described four program pillars—arts and culture, social equity, empowerment and healing—highlighting design elements inspired by the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Reggie Truxon reviewed institutional planning and preliminary economics, offering a planning budget range and operating assumptions.

Truxon said the current rough capital estimate for the concept is between $175 million and $215 million with a startup (foundational) budget noted at about $10.2 million and possible construction start in 2029–2031; he and other consultants stressed those figures are early estimates and subject to change.

Commissioners asked about governance, nonprofit formation and next steps. Staff said a nonprofit application has been submitted and an early development board is in place; additional funding and a performance‑based return to commissioners are expected when a complete package is ready for private and foundation partners.

Next steps: staff will continue to refine organizational plans and return to the board and the City of Fayetteville with a detailed ask once fundraising and governance items are further developed.