Celebrating Black History Month 2026:

February is the dedicated month recognized annually in the United States and Canada, in which people commemorate and learn about the significant contributions and history of African Americans, focusing on pioneering accomplishments, trailblazers and events from the African diaspora throughout history. It originated as a way to highlight the achievements of Black people often overlooked in mainstream narratives and school books. Black History Month is actually an upgrade from Negro History Week, a 7-day observance established by scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. On the 50th anniversary of Negro History Week, in 1976, President Gerald Ford designated February as Black History Month. And so here we are in 2026, 50 more years later.

Each Black History Month over the years has carried a different theme. This year’s is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” We’ll be commemorating that reference and many of the themes from previous observances, throughout this month of February. We believe Black history is U.S. history, of course something that should be woven into educational curriculum and recognized every day, not simply just 28 days of the year.

Imagine the courage it took for a Black man, in 1926, to challenge the nation to examine its own record. Historian Woodson did not create this observance to celebrate a handful of famous firsts, nor did he intend for the 7-day reflection of Negro History Week to expand into the month-long observance, that it is today.

Woodson’s simple quest was to force a reckoning, to pound the truth into society that Black history is United States history, which up until that point in 1926, had conveniently been erased as non-existent, unless it involved something negative or tragic committed by a then Negro.

Woodson, a mighty influencer at this time in our nation’s past, is seen here on the left in his library. His colleagues described him as having a brilliant mind, along with a meticulous recall and detail of past events. He stood firm that the full story of the United States includes the violence, the resistance, the brilliance and the relentless contributions of Black people to its social, economic and political life.

Woodson was adamant about this, because Black history had been distorted, diminished and pushed to the margins. The “Father of Black History,” as he was known, stated Black people’s contributions and experiences are central to U.S. history, not marginal to it.

Up until his death in 1950 at the age of 74, Woodson proclaimed that knowing the truth about the past is a safeguard for freedom and equality, not an optional add-on.

So throughout this month, our staff will be attending various events across the L.A. area, our CEO will be speaking at different venues, our social media pages will highlight African American history makers throughout the month and we’re hosting a Black history event on Febrauary 26. We’ll keep you posted on everything, and here below is a list of just some of the events, experiences and celebrations, taking place throughout Southern California. Some of these are ongoing, being held on specific dates and online. Check before heading out. Happy Black History Month!

The Good and Bad of AI:
Responsible Artificial Intelligence
Thursday, February 26 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Hosted by Chase
Wine & Refreshments

Join the Los Angeles Urban League for an engaging Black History Month community forum examining one of the most powerful forces shaping our future — Artificial Intelligence.

This timely conversation will explore both the promise and the risks of AI, centering equity, ethics, and opportunity for Black communities and entrepreneurs. We’ll also spotlight some of the Black tech pioneers whose work led to the development of AI.

• Black History Month Festival – La Brea Tar Pits (Feb. 21)
  Black History Month Festival heads to La Brea Tar Pits on Saturday, February 21 with an afternoon of family-friendly events, including soccer games for children and a live performance from punto rock artist Chico Ramos.

   

• Black History Month Meet-Up at Disneyland (Feb. 20 & 21 Feb. 27 & 28)
  Feel the excitement as this beloved annual Disneyland tradition stays going strong with vibrant choir performances and artists lighting up the stage. Let the soul-stirring sounds of gospel music lift your heart. Each Saturday features legendary Grammy Award-winning headliners who fill the night with truly memorable performances of worship and praise. Celebrate Soulfully

• Black History Month Parade& Expo (Feb 22)
  The parade will feature marching bands, drill/dance teams, community groups, and more. The expo includes live entertainment, food and craft vendors, a car show, and more.
  Black History Month Parade & Expo
  

• Black History Month Documentary Screening: When We Were Kings (Feb 26)
  This Oscar-winning documentary is about the historic 1974 epic boxing match, “The Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Refreshments will be provided.
  lapl.org
  

• Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories – Central Library (Feb. 28)
  Make Ghanaian-inspired jewelry, learn how to collect oral histories or see a performance from Tommy the Clown at Central Library‘s day-long celebration of black history, Inspiring Journeys. The all ages event is free to attend.