February 2026 marks 100 years of celebrating Black history. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926. The week was expanded to a month in 1976, and it’s been 40 years since Congress passed a law, making it a federally recognized celebration.  

During the time of significance, students and professors who are celebrating Black history share what commemorating the month looks like for them. 

Florida A&M University theology professor Rafiqur Rahman expressed why he believes acknowledging Black history is still important.  

“I think this whole idea of Black History Month, not only should it just be for the month of February, but all year round, especially as this year marks the 250th anniversary of America,”  Dr. Rahmen said. 

During this time, typically individuals honor Black history by telling it and celebrating Black accolades and significance. By retelling these stories, we are making sure to keep them alive. 

“The narrative of that history should be told from ours. Have we not been a part of it too? Making America Great Again,” Dr. Rahmen said. 

The year’s presidential proclamation of the Black History Month celebration was signed a couple days after the start of the month, marking an unusual decision. While the proclamation highlighted some important achievements Black Americans have made, it did not acknowledge the historical biases Black Americans face. 

As the month continues, many students plan on attending events and learning more about Black history to celebrate. 

“I at least try to learn things that I didn’t know before about black history, such as inventions and attributions that African Americans and Black people have,” said Kennedy Works, a second-year computer science major. 

Events are happening in Tallahassee for those who are looking to celebrate, such as the annual Harambee festival taking place at Cascades on Feb. 28. 

“I unfortunately don’t do anything now, but growing up at school, we would have like Black History Month showcases students would cook and bake and bring stuff from different cultures,” said Mercinka Camilus, a third-year architecture major. 

As professors and students alike continue celebrating Black History Month, it will be interesting to see how the history continues on for another 100 years.  

“It’s really important we celebrate the eras we have passed through and how we continued to prevail,” Camilus said.