2026 has dawned as a momentous red-letter year for American history. As most know by now, the United States already has launched America250, its supersized patriotic bash to commemorate its 250th anniversary as a proud independent nation.

What far fewer of us recognize, however, is that another proud cultural phenomenon literally seeped in history will mark its milestone 100th anniversary this weekend on Feb. 1. That observance, of course, is Black History Month.

The roots of Black History Month date to 1926, when revered Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of African American Life and History first declared Negro History Week, timed to encompass the February birthdays of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and venerated U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Over the decades, the observance expanded to one full month and spread to all corners of our country. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of former President Gerald Ford making Black History Month an official federally designated observance.

The proud tradition of the observance plays out throughout the month in the Mahoning Valley, Ohio and the nation. As it does, we urge people of all races and backgrounds to recognize its importance to an inclusive and accurate portrayal of American history.

“A Century of Black History Commemorations” has been selected as the theme behind 2026 observances throughout Ohio and nationwide.

The association that Woodson founded said it invites the nation and the world over the next four weeks to reflect on the power of remembrance and how black history commemorations have transformed identity, inspired progress and preserved truths about the black experience- some laudable, some shameful – against attempts at erasure.

On that compelling topic, the Valley joins the nation in this monthlong commemoration with a bounty of special lectures, performances and forums at local colleges and universities, public schools, historical societies, public libraries, black churches and other venues. Check this newspaper or its website for a full listing of BHM events and activities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties this month.

Statewide, the Supreme Court of Ohio will livestream for all its celebratory program titled “A Century of Black History Commemorations” at 1 p.m. Feb. 10 from the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center in Columbus. The program will examine how black history has been studied and observed in the Buckeye State and will highlight achievements of notable Black Ohioans. Did you know, for example, that African-American Garrett Morgan of Cleveland invented the three-position traffic signal in1923? Or that Black Brigade of Cincinnat became the first U.S. military unit of black soldiers to serve in the Civil War.

ASALH National President Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead recently noted the enduring value of such Black History Month programming: “At this critical historical moment–when many forces have tried to whitewash American history, or eradicate it altogether in some parts of the country–ASALH affirms its commitment to protect, preserve, promote and proclaim Black history.”

The observance also rightfully continues to draw attention to the historic and present-day black experience in America. Sadly, some of that experience remains mired in struggle, bias and tension.

The struggle endures in poverty rates that are 2.5 times as high for blacks than whites with median wealth of black households less than one-tenth that of white households. It endures in lower graduation rates and subpar public schools in too many black communities. It endures in disturbingly and unacceptably high rates of black infant mortality in our region and state.

And it endures most viciously in lingering attitudes among relatively small pockets of society that black lives still do not matter as much as white lives do.

The above enduring inequities testify to the need to continue the monthlong observance that had social progress as its bedrock foundation when Goodson first observed it one century ago.

To be sure, however, since the first Negro History Week, African-Americans have made great strides in gaining the civil rights so long denied them and in entering the mainstream of American society.

BHM continues to help bulldoze racist stereotypes, to promote empathy, fairness and inclusion and to ensure that the mass of Americans recognize American history as a shared, vibrant and multi-dimensional history. As such, its poignance remains valuable to the past, present and future of this nation.

2026 marks 100 years of national Black history commemorations, honoring the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), now ASALH.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week, creating a movement that transformed how America and the world recognize the contributions of people of African descent. What began as a week-long observance has grown into Black History Month, a cornerstone of American and global culture.

For its 100th theme, ASALH invites the world to reflect on the power of remembrance and how Black history commemorations have transformed identity, inspired progress, and preserved truth against erasure. From the Haitian Revolution and Juneteenth to today’s cultural landmarks, these observances remind us that to understand the modern world, one must understand Black history.

As the nation also approaches the 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence, ASALH calls for a continued commitment to telling an inclusive and accurate history, especially amid efforts to erase it.

A legacy that began in 1926 continues today.

The official theme for Black History Month 2026 is “A Century of Black History Commemorations”. Established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this theme marks the 100th anniversary of the first Black History Week, which was founded by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926.

Major themes and focal points for the 2026 celebration include:

100 Years of Observance: Reflecting on the evolution of Black history from a single week of study into a month-long national and global institution.

The Power of Remembrance: Honoring how public commemorations have transformed Black identity, inspired social progress, and preserved historical truths.

Combatting Erasure: Addressing the necessity of these commemorations in response to historical exclusion from mainstream narratives and contemporary efforts to ban or restrict Black history in education.

Accuracy and Inclusion: Emphasizing the need for inclusive, accurate storytelling as the United States simultaneously approaches its 250th anniversary of independence.

Global Impact: Recognizing the influence of Black history celebrations on the African diaspora and global understandings of the modern world.

To help you plan, I can find local events in your area or provide more details on the original 1926 founding of Black History Week. Would you like to start with event listings or historical context?

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ASALH | The Founders of Black History Month

ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month

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What are some Black History Month events in the Youngstown, Ohio, area, in 2026?

Youngstown, Ohio, is hosting a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and community programs for Black History Month in 2026, many of which align with the national theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”

Museum & Art Exhibitions

Several Youngstown institutions are hosting exhibitions that highlight African American art and history through February 2026:

“Greatness Revealed: The Art of African Americans”: This exhibition at The Butler Institute of American Art (Wick Avenue) features a curated selection of works from the museum’s collection and other sources. It is on display daily through February 22, 2026.

“Grit/Glow” by Richard Hahn: Hosted at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor (The Steel Museum), this photography exhibition explores industrial landscapes and the human experience. It runs through February 28, 2026.

McDonough Museum of Art Exhibitions: The YSU campus museum is showcasing several concurrent exhibits through February 28, 2026, including Misty Gamble’s “Of Flesh and The Feminine” and the “From WOMAN 19” group exhibition. A closing reception for these displays will be held on February 28 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Community & Educational Events

Local libraries and organizations have scheduled interactive programming for families and adults:

Alma Thomas Inspired Collage Workshop: Participants can create vibrant abstract art inspired by the groundbreaking African American artist on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Newport Library.

Supreme Court of Ohio Celebration (Livestreamed): On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM, the Court will host a program titled “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” While held in Columbus, the event features keynote speaker Tammy R. Bennett and will be livestreamed for public viewing.

“Change Sings” Story and Craft: A reading of Amanda Gorman’s “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” followed by a craft for children in grades K-3. This takes place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Main Library.

Threads of Black History: A hands-on family program on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Newport Library. It explores the history and traditions of African American quilting and weaving.

Real Men Real Talk: A community discussion focused on wellness and connection for Black men, scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Youngstown, Ohio Goes to the Movies: This special program at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor on Friday, February 20, 2026, ties into the “Business, Innovation, and Work” theme of America’s 250th celebration.

African American Read-In: This annual event celebrating Black authors and literature will be held at the Main Library on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Health & Social Events

Fatherhood Fridays: A community gathering hosted by the African American Male Wellness Agency on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 9:00 PM.

Fifth Annual Chili Cook-Off: NAMI Mahoning Valley is hosting this social event on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 9:00 PM at Penguin City Brewing Company

Black voices

through history

inspire all today

Since their inception 97 years ago, black history observances in February have served as opportunities to celebrate African Americans’ rich contributions to government, politics, science, society, culture and other threads in the fabric of life in the U.S.

Black History Month also provides myriad opportunities to reflect upon those contributions as well as to listen anew to the powerful words and heed the responsible calls of civil-rights trailblazers. Taken together they can guide us toward a stronger and more-harmonious nation.

The roots of Black History Month date to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of African American Life and History first declared Negro History Week, timed to encompass the February birthdays of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and venerated U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Over the decades, the observance expanded to one full month and spread to all corners of our country.

That proud tradition plays out this month throughout the Mahoning Valley and the nation. “Black Resistance” has been selected as the theme behind 2023 observances nationwide. That apt theme runs through much of the history of African Americans on this continent. They have resisted all forms of discrimination and oppression most often nonviolently over the centuries to advocate for a dignified life and a meaningful piece of the American Dream.

On that compelling topic and others, the Valley joins the nation in this monthlong commemoration with special lectures, performances and forums at local colleges and universities, public schools, historical societies, black churches and other venues.

The observance also rightfully continues to draw attention to the unique black experience in America. Sadly, some of that experience remains mired in struggle, bias and tension.

The struggle endures in poverty rates that are three times as high for blacks than whites. It endures in low graduation rates and lackluster educational achievement in too many black communities. It endures in disturbingly high rates of black infant mortality in our region and nation.

And it endures most viciously in lingering attitudes among relatively small pockets of society that black lives still do not matter as much as white lives do. Witness, for example, the wanton murder of 10 black shoppers in a racist mass shooting at a Buffalo, New York, grocery store last May.

Clearly, more profound attitude adjustment remains necessary. That process can start by better understanding the contributions of African-Americans that have benefited all Americans. It can be enriched by listening again to the powerful and resonant voices of civil-rights and cultural heroes of bygone years who true to this month’s black history theme used resistance constructively for lasting change.

Listen, for example, to the instructive words of Rosa Parks, the Mongomery, Ala., seamstress who in 1955 refused to give up her seat on a city bus, and in so doing took a bold and lasting stand to challenge the segregationist legacy of the American South.

“Each person must live their life as a model for others,” she once pleaded.

Listen, too, to the stirring oratory of American labor-rights leader Asa Philip Randolph (1889-1979): “Justice is never given; it is exacted, and the struggle must be continuous for freedom is never a final fact, but a continuing evolving process to higher and higher levels of human, social, economic, political and religious relationship.”

Finally, listen to the impassioned pleas of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the icon of America’s civil-rights movement, on the necessity for the masses to peacefully engage in constructive actions – oftentimes in resistance to unfair aspects of the status quo — to warm race relations in this country.

King once said, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualist concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Collectively, the insightful words of Parks, Randolph and King continue to reverberate today, and Americans of all backgrounds should embrace their timeless messages. Those and other voices of the past can provide renewed momentum toward crushing resurgent racist attitudes today.