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Black History Month 2026
A Century of Black History Commemorations
Join the SJSU King Library in celebrating Black History Month! February marks the beginning of a month-long Black History Month celebration that acknowledges the impact of the Black community through their achievements and contributions to society.
Historical Context
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. For its 100th year and 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. To understand the modern world, especially in nations where Black people form a significant population, one must grapple with the impact public observances have had on the past and the present.
During this year, in which we are also commemorating the 250th Anniversary of United States Independence, it is important to not only tell an inclusive history but also an accurate one. Thus, the need to examine the role of Black History Month could not be greater than today, when forces weary of democracy seek to use legislative means and book bans and challenges to excise Black history from America’s schools and public culture. Black history’s value is not its contribution to mainstream historical narratives, but its resonance in the lives of Black people.
Learn more about how we’re commemorating Black History Month through the following events and exhibitions.
