As the nation turns the calendar to February, the United States marks Black History Month 2026 — a milestone year commemorating 100 years since the very first national observance of Black history and culture. What began in 1926 as “Negro History Week,” created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and leaders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH), has grown into an enduring national movement honoring the richness, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans and the African diaspora.
A Theme for the Century: Reflection and Forward Motion
The official theme for Black History Month 2026 — “A Century of Black History Commemorations” — invites communities to reflect not only on the history itself, but on how the rituals of remembering have helped shape culture, identity, and national understanding of Black life.
This year’s celebrations begin with a virtual national convening on February 1, streamed by ASALH, featuring leading scholars, writers, and cultural advocates. ASALH National President Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead underscored the meaning of this moment at the launch announcement: “Black History Month belongs to us. We do not celebrate because others see us — we celebrate because we see ourselves.”
For many Black Americans and allies alike, that sentiment captures the essence of Black History Month — not as a symbolic nod, but as a living, active practice of remembrance and cultural affirmation.
History Informs the Present — Celebration Shapes the Future
Black History Month’s roots trace back to the intellectual insistence that Black history be documented, taught, and celebrated at a time when mainstream narratives often excluded or minimized the contributions of Black people. Dr. Woodson and his contemporaries understood that reclaiming history was a form of empowerment — a vision that resonates today.
Black History Month would eventually grow from a week to a nationally recognized month in 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford called on Americans to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans.” Today, that call echoes as communities across the country prepare events that range from educational forums and cultural showcases to community service and artistic tributes.
Communities Mobilize for Meaningful Celebration
Across the nation, cities, universities, and community groups are planning events that reflect both local pride and national significance:
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale has announced a lineup of activities centered on the centennial theme, with free public events and guest speakers aimed at amplifying Black culture and history. “Black History Month is celebrated to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and history of Black Americans who have often been overlooked or minimized in mainstream historical narratives,” said Dina Timmons, Black Resource Center program coordinator.
These community-rooted observances echo a broader movement to reclaim Black history in ways that are participatory, accessible, and rooted in lived experience.
Honoring Legacy While Inspiring the Next Generation
2026’s centennial arrives at a time when efforts to erode or restrict the teaching of Black history in schools and public spaces have emerged in parts of the country. That backdrop gives added urgency to this year’s theme of commemoration — not just looking back, but preserving truth, memory, and legacy for the future.
“Black history’s value is not its contribution to mainstream historical narratives,” advocates of the theme argue, “but its resonance in the lives of Black people.”
This reflection matters for all generations — from students learning about Black innovators and freedom fighters, to adults rediscovering untold stories that illuminate their communities.
Black History Month as Cultural Touchstone and Catalyst
For many, Black History Month has become more than an annual observance — it’s a cultural touchstone and catalyst for national conversation. Whether through exhibits, performances, lectures, or personal acts of remembrance, Black History Month bridges past and present, inviting deeper understanding and shared celebration.
The 2026 theme’s call to honor 100 years of commemorations reminds us that remembrance itself is a form of empowerment, and that the stories we lift up today can help shape a more inclusive and just society tomorrow.
This February, communities across the country — from virtual convenings to local university events — are honoring a century of Black history, resilience, and innovation. It’s a moment to learn, to reflect, and to celebrate the cultural richness that has defined Black life and contributions in the United States for generations.
