Black History Month marks the 100th year of communal celebration and tribute to heritage

Black History Month has its own monumental achievement to celebrate.

The month-long recognition of Black’s achievement celebrates Black’s 100th anniversary this year. The official start date dates back to 1926, when Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week.

According to Fox32’s week was a national initiative for Black Americans to learn more about their own history. Woodson, the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), sought to emphasize its importance and contribution to America’s progress.

“In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural weeklong celebration of black history, he could hardly have anticipated the impact he would leave on the world,” the ASALH website reads. “From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has continued the tradition, and the celebrations have become part of American culture and increasingly the global community.”

Woodson chose February because of the birthdays of two figures whose work helped the black community: President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It was not until 1976 that the week was expanded to a month, in addition to a name change from “Negro History” to “Black History.”

Since its origins, the month has become a celebration throughout the diaspora. Now, with recognition on an international scale, communities around the world honor their anniversary in its ongoing celebration.

This year, the theme for the month-long celebration is “A Century of Commemorations of Black History.” Especially at a time when the teaching of diverse histories is under threat under current leadership, this milestone remains critical to highlight amid these cultural shifts.

“For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and significance of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world,” the ASALH said.

Under the legacy of its founder, the ASALH kicked off its festivities with a call-to-action event. The speaker engagement at the Feb. 1 meeting included renowned panelists, from critical race theory scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair Nicole Austin Hillery.

“2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Commemorations, first launched by Dr. Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week. We are at a critical moment when we must decide, in the spirit of Dr. King, where America is headed toward chaos or community, and we must decide what we are willing to do to turn the tide,” the event description reads.

In conjunction with other events taking place nationwide, the ASALH will highlight the monumental achievement with its annual luncheon and additional programming for the quest for justice, equality and freedom.

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