Dr. Karsonya Wise
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History will commemorate 100 years of Black history celebrations next month with a series of events marking the centennial of "Negro History Week," founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926.
The organization announced "A Century of Black History Commemorations" as the national theme for Black History Month 2026, which begins Feb. 1.
ASALH will launch the month-long commemoration with a virtual national convening Feb. 1 from 6-8 p.m. EST, streaming on the organization's YouTube channel. The event will feature ASALH National President Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, past president Dr. Daryl Michael Scott, Journal of African American History editor Dr. Bertis English and legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw.
"Black History Month belongs to us," Whitehead said. "We do not celebrate because others see us—we celebrate because we see ourselves."
The organization will host its annual Black History Month luncheon Feb. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. EST at the JW Marriott in Washington.
An author's book signing will precede the luncheon from 10 a.m. to noon EST.
During the luncheon, ASALH will recognize the U.S. Postal Service for issuing the Phillis Wheatley Black Heritage Forever Stamp, the 49th stamp in the Black Heritage series. Wheatley was the first published African American poet and the first person of African descent to publish a book in the American colonies.
Additional virtual programming throughout February includes "Justice and Reconciliation: From Henry Highland Garnet to Harvey Johnson" on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. EST and "A Labor of Freedom, Then and Now" on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. EST, featuring a discussion on the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee's legacy.
The 2026 ASALH Book Prize winner will be announced Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. EST via ASALH TV.
Founded in 1915 as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, ASALH institutionalized the study and teaching of Black history. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926, which later expanded to become Black History Month.
"At this critical historical moment—when many forces have tried to whitewash American history, or eradicate it altogether in some parts of the country—ASALH affirms its commitment to protect, preserve, promote, and proclaim Black history," Whitehead said.
