By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Opportunity & Impact
Average reading time: 3 minutes
Black History Month in 2026 holds special significance, as it marks the 100th anniversary of its national recognition. This milestone invites us to reflect not only on the progress that has been made, but also on why this work continues to matter. Engaging with Black history is more than honoring resilience and achievement; it is an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding, foster inclusion and strengthen the cultural competency that remains essential in today’s workplaces and communities.
In 1897, educator and civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell successfully urged the Washington, D.C. school board to dedicate Feb. 14 to honoring the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. This observance became known as Douglass Day and marked an early step in a decades-long movement that would eventually lead to the establishment of Black History Month.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, often referred to as the “Father of Black History,” launched the first Negro History Week in 1926 to formally recognize the contributions of Black Americans. He selected February to align with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14. By 1970, Negro History Week was observed in cities across the United States, and Kent State University became the first institution to expand the observance into Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month at the national level, urging Americans to honor the achievements and enduring impact of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.
Engage in the workplace
One effective way to foster engagement and educational awareness during Black History Month is by intentionally creating space for reflection and shared learning. In recognition of the 100th anniversary, organizations have a unique opportunity to deepen the understanding of Black History Month’s origins, evolution and continued relevance today. Inviting a guest speaker, historian or outside organization to provide historical context and insight can ground the experience in credibility and meaning. This can be followed by a guided conversation, led by the speaker or a trained facilitator, with questions centered on cultural understanding and shared learning. Together, this approach encourages thoughtful dialogue, strengthens awareness and reinforces a culture of inclusion across the organization.
Another impactful way for companies to engage employees during Black History Month is by encouraging experiential learning through the community. Organizing staff or department outings to local museums, cultural centers or historical sites that highlight Black art, history and contributions allows employees to connect with the subject matter in a tangible and meaningful way. These shared experiences foster learning outside of the traditional workplace while strengthening team connection and cultural awareness. By intentionally supporting institutions within the community and positioning these visits as team-based experiences, organizations reinforce the value of collective learning and demonstrate a commitment to honoring Black history through engagement, presence and investment.
Additionally, another way for employees and organizations to engage in a meaningful way is to intentionally support local Black-owned businesses. Companies can highlight Black-owned vendors in internal communications, source goods or services from them, or organize team events that partner with Black-owned restaurants and organizations. Employees can participate by shopping locally, sharing recommendations and amplifying these businesses within their networks. These collective actions help translate recognition into real economic impact and strengthen our own communities that we live and work in.
Attend an event
If you are interested in bringing your team, friends or family to local festivities celebrating Black History Month, consider these local events.
KALEIDOSCOPE | Cultural Awareness Series: 7:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday Feb. 13 & 15
Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St., Dallas, TX, 75201
Celebrate the weekend with Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s visually rich and emotional experience, KALEIDOSCOPE. The program features work that honors the lives of Black artists and reflects on resilience, faith and cultural expression — a perfect blend of performances where movement beautifully tells a story.
MLK Taste of Soul: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28
MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 1 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, TX, 75215
Come and celebrate the diversity of soul food cuisine at the “Taste of Soul,” featuring some of DFW’s best chefs and creations! Free samples, live entertainment and free giveaways will be there!
Black History Month Cultural Celebration and 2026 HBCU Transfer Fair: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26
North Lake Campus, 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75038
Join Dallas College Transfer Services and Intercultural and Global Student Engagement for the 2026 HBCU Transfer Fair, a celebration of culture, community and opportunity.
Protecting Cultural Memory: Open Tuesday-Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
African American Museum of Dallas, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX, 75210
The African American Museum in Fair Park presents Protecting Cultural Memory: A commitment to the conservation and protection of the art and the archives, an exhibit focused on the preservation of historical archives and treasured works of art. Until March 2026, visitors can learn how the museum safeguards its collections and protects stories that are foundational to Black history and culture.
Other February holidays to celebrate
Lunar New Year is observed on Tuesday, Feb. 17 this year, marking the beginning of the 16-day Spring Festival and ushering in the Year of the Horse. Celebrated by millions around the world, the holiday centers around time-honored traditions,family reunions and the collective hope for prosperity, health and good fortune in the year ahead. The Year of the Horse is associated with energy, momentum and forward movement — qualities that reflect vitality, resilience and progress. Celebrations often feature red decorations and firecrackers, symbols of protection, renewal and optimism, as communities welcome a fresh start and the promise of new opportunities.
Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 18, with the first day of fasting observed on Thursday, Feb. 19. As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide and is observed as a sacred period of fasting, reflection and renewal. From dawn until sunset each day, practicing Muslims abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast before sunrise and after sunset. Beyond fasting, Ramadan is marked by heightened introspection, acts of service, communal prayer and the reading of the Qur’an — values that emphasize discipline, empathy and shared responsibility within the community.