February 6, 2026

A Century of Courage: Honoring 100 Years of Black History Commemorations

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, influences and legacies of Black Americans.

This year’s theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” celebrating 100 years of the first Black History Week in 1926. Beyond celebrating this significant milestone, this year is also about highlighting the ongoing work of integrating Black history into the national narrative.

Black history reminds us that identity, pride and equality are built through courage and remembrance. From emancipation to Juneteenth, these celebrations honor resilience and hope. Frederick Douglass’s words still guide us: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Black History Month is more than tradition – it is a powerful affirmation that truth endures, history matters, and the future is ours to shape together.

Here are some ways that you can engage, explore and support African American community and culture during this Black History Month and beyond.

Engage in UW & Community Events

Fireside Chat with Matthew Alexander Randolph – Walking with Frederick Douglass: Research, Identity, and Joy in Black Scholarship Prelude to Douglass Day. The conversation will center on Randolph’s time researching Frederick Douglass and how his scholarly journey both mirrors and has been shaped by his personal relationship to Douglass’s life and work. Suzzallo Library/Hybrid (February 12, 2:30 p.m.– 4 p.m.)

Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon – Douglass Day is an annual transcribe-a-thon program that marks the birth of Frederick Douglass. Each year, sites across the country gather thousands of people to help create new & freely available resources for learning about Black history. Suzzalo Library (February 13,  9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

UW Tacoma – 100th Year Anniversary Event – BUILD Black History Month – A celebration of 100 years of Black History Month featuring keynote speaker Professor Luther Adams and Tacoma Poet Laureate Mari Griffin. (February 20,1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) at Washington State History Museum, Tacoma, WA (nearby UWT))

Boon Boona Open Mic Night – In celebration of Black History Month, the Black Health Justice Pathway and NURF (Network of Underrepresented Residents and Fellows) will be collaborating to host an Open Mic and Poetry Night at Boon Boona Coffee (February 13th, 6-9 PM)

Speculative landscapes – This two-part series evokes the American South and the ethos of Black science fiction as a means through which to experience the landscapes embedded within Rodney McMillian: Neighbors. For this iteration, poet, musician, and scholar Rasheena Fountain will present Speculative Land Blues, a blues guitar, poetry, and DJ set which deploys blues as an imaginative route to home. (February 19, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

Northwest African American Museum – ongoing exhibits and events, plus Black History Month programs Coloring Outside the Lines (February)

Washington State History Museum – We the People and the American Dream  – An evening program of music and conversation celebrates the Civil Rights Movement and solidarity efforts from 1866 to 2025. A panel led by Lee Warnecke of the Southern Poverty Law Center, former Tacoma mayor Bill Baarsma, and others will converse before answering audience questions. (February 20)

Town Hall Seattle presents Victor Luckerson: A Scheme to Forget, a Demand to Remember . Author Victor Luckerson is interested in untold—or worse, hidden—histories, specifically the century-long battle to remember the Tulsa Race Massacre. Despite being wiped from official records and history textbooks, Luckerson outlines the ways Black Tulsans have kept this event remembered through oral histories, legal battles, and the Black press. (February 26)

City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Arts Museum are partnering to host Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month a special art exhibition honoring the 100th anniversary of Black History Month to the public. Visit both locations (check dates and times) to view an extensive collection of paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and fashion. You can also register to attend a family-friendly opening or closing reception. (all Feburary)

Buffalo Soldier Museum – telling the story of African American men who helped build our country.

Call to Conscience Black History Museum – Columbia City Theatre turns into a museum celebrating Black excellence in the PNW (all February).

People’s Community Center – celebrate Black History with free events and activities at this Tacoma community resource (all February).

Tacoma Public Library – displaying the work Black artists (every Tuesday in February).

Explore

BlackPast.org – an essential online resource, created by UW emeritus professor the late Quintard Taylor, presents a comprehensive and accurate history of African Americans and people of African ancestry around the world.

Diversity at UW – portal to UW’s commitment to value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, create welcoming and respectful learning environments and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

UW Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity – the central UW organization creating pathways for diverse populations to access opportunities, achieve academic success and excel in a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all.

Seattle Civil Rights & Labor History Project – UW-led resource bringing Seattle’s civil rights movements to life in oral histories, archival photos and documents and personal biographies.

UW Brotherhood and Sisterhood Initiatives – cohort programs providing opportunities for academic growth and leadership, exploration of intersecting identities and support to underrepresented men and women of color at UW.

The Story Behind Black History Month – and why it’s celebrated in February from NPR.

28 Days of Black History – A virtual exhibition of 28 works that celebrate Black legacy in the U.S. in literature, art or artifact.

National Museum of African American History and Culture – The Smithsonian Institution celebrates Black History Month and offers a Searchable Museum with multimedia narratives, collections and educational resources.

TED Talk playlist – be inspired by thoughtful ruminations on Black identity and culture. Or give a listen to a Black History Month Playlist of podcasts.

 Support

To show your solidarity, consider making a one-time gift or set up payroll deduction to a UWCFD nonprofit organization that supports enriching the Black experience and amplifying Black voices.

Supporting a nonprofit in your community or on campus is simple and meaningful. You can make a one-time gift or set up an ongoing payroll deduction through the UW Combined Fund Drive (UWCFD) . Search by charity name or by the type of work they do to find a cause that resonates with you.

Can’t find the organization you’re looking for? We’re here to help! Email us at uwcfd@uw.edu and we’ll reach out to invite them to join the CFD.

Your generosity and engagement make a difference.