2026 is the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month!

In a time when Jim Crow laws were palpable in the south, laws were enforced nationwide intended to systematically delay the progress of Blacks in America, racial violence and outright terrorism from groups like the KKK were common in thriving Black communities, desegregation as well as a plethora of injustices, inequities and much, much more...Dr. Carter G. Woodson had a vision. A vision to celebrate all that we survived, to preserve our rich heritage, and to remind us of our greatness despite challenges. Dr. Woodson founded "Negro History Week" in 1926 which later grew into the month-long commemoration, "Black History Month," to celebrate Black American culture, heritage, history and life!

"In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of Black history, he could hardly have anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world. From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has carried forth the tradition, and the observances have become part of the warp and weft of American culture and increasingly the global community. For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world." - Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)

ASALH sets the official theme for Black History Mont" each year; this year's theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations!" To learn more about the history of Black History Month, this year and past year themes, access ASALH resources and to be connected to their Black History Month events, please visit their website.

How will you celebrate Black History Month?