February 2, 2026 – Redmond, Washington. The City of Redmond is observing February as National Black History Month, joining communities across the country in honoring the generations of African Americans whose achievements have shaped the United States.
This year’s observance carries added historical weight, as 2026 marks 100 years of national Black history commemorations, a milestone rooted in scholarship, community advocacy, and cultural preservation.
The 2026 national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” highlights the enduring legacy of Black history observances that started in the early 20th century.
The theme is designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization founded by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his colleagues to institutionalize the study and public recognition of Black history.
Black History Month traces its origins to Negro History Week, first observed in 1926. Dr. Woodson, often called the “Father of Black History,” believed that the absence of African American history from mainstream education distorted the nation’s understanding of itself.
By focusing public attention on historical research and the lived experiences of Black Americans, Woodson sought to reshape both self-perception within the Black community and broader national narratives.
Over time, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month, officially recognized at the federal level in 1976 when President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to honor the “too-often neglected accomplishments” of Black Americans.
A decade later, Congress formally designated February as Black History Month, cementing it as a national observance that now reaches schools, museums, libraries, faith institutions, workplaces, and public spaces.
The 2026 theme reflects not only this historical progress, but also the global dimensions of Black history.
Long before formal national recognition, Black communities commemorated milestones such as the Haitian Revolution, emancipation celebrations, and figures who challenged slavery and racial injustice.
In Redmond, the city’s recognition of Black History Month aligns with this long tradition of education.
Moreover, ASALH emphasized that Black history is not a supplemental narrative, but a central part of understanding the modern world.
As Redmond observes Black History Month in 2026, the focus extends beyond remembrance to recognition of an ongoing legacy.
