Photo by prostooleh
“We have a wonderful history behind us… If you are unable to demonstrate to the world that you have this record, the world will say to you, ‘You are not worthy to enjoy the blessings of democracy or anything else’.”
—Carter G. Woodson, Father of Black History Month.
2026 is a big one for the Black community. It is the 100th anniversary of the formal celebration of Black History in the US. A century ago, in 1926, this celebration was created by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and was initially called Negro History Week.
Can you believe we have gone from ‘Negro History Week’ to a full-blown, month-long celebration of our stories, culture, and legacy? And honestly, we are just getting started.
Black History Month is an annual celebration that commemorates Black Americans’ achievements, honors their contributions to the United States and the world, and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history.
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a theme, and this year it is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
Many members of the Black community describe Black History Month as deeply personal.
Speaking at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, Keke Palmer highlighted the impact of Black people during Black History Month on art and culture, reminding everyone that success is amplified when communities support and honor one another.
“What we choose and what we deem is important is enough,” she stated.
As for Maxwell, an immigrant from Nigeria, who lives in Dallas with his family, Black History Month is a reminder that our stories matter and an opportunity to teach our children about our history.
“It’s not just a celebration; it’s a responsibility to pass on lessons of resistance and creativity, so our children can build on their legacy.”
This year feels different because we are no longer just looking at the past; we are honoring the fact that for a full century, the Black community has refused to let its legacy be forgotten. February also hits differently when you realize you can celebrate love on Valentine’s Day and Black history at the same time. The best part is that there are so many meaningful ways to celebrate this, from Valentine’s Day specials to events that honor Black heritage. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Celebrate Black history with workshops & art
Photo source: Facebook / Please Touch Museum
Observe Black History Month at the Please Touch Museum, offering a month-long Black History walk exhibit, featuring various Black changemakers. Check out African-American pioneers adeptly painted onto mirrors, allowing you to see your reflection while viewing these inspirational individuals. Learn about Black artists, authors, scientists, innovators, explorers, and other champions from various walks of life, eras, and stages of the struggle for social justice.
This February, the museum, located in historic Memorial Hall, is packed with play, culture, and celebration. From honoring history and culture to celebrating our city, there’s something special to experience all month long. Here’s a lineup of activities happening this month:
- Black History Celebration – February 7
- Opening of Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way! – February 7
- Members-Only Morning – February 8
- Philly 215 Day – February 15
- President’s Day: Museum Open – February 16
- Lunar New Year Celebration – February 21
Also highlighted will be an interactive African dance performance by the Living Arts Dance Studio. Register and reserve tickets on their website.
When: All through February
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
Connect with Black cinema
The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) has a week-long lineup of classic Black cinema, featuring horror, comedy, and drama, including two showings of Fences, the Denzel Washington-directed adaptation of the beloved August Wilson play. This year’s theme is “Shot Callers” and will focus on actors turned directors.
This year’s lineup at Harriett’s Bookshop collaborates with the Free Library of Philadelphia for the event to explore connections between filmmaking and writing.
Showtimes vary by day, with two 21-plus BYOB evenings (February 21 & 23, 2026). You can buy individual tickets for each screening or save by purchasing a four-film ticket bundle.
When: February 20-26, 2026 (times vary by date)
Where: Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Love that jazz
Photo source: Instagram / liveatthelane
Let your hair down and check out a cool jazz concert, the 3rd annual Jazzentine, featuring a new artist each year. This year, you will get to hear the voice of the one and only Khadijah “Renee”. This will be one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one. It’s a 21+ event. You canget tickets online for $20 or at the door for $25.
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Allens Lane Art Center, Philadelphia, PA
Hike through Philly neighborhoods
Boathouse Row, Philadelphia. Photo by Polibil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Join the Appalachian Mountain Club for a walk through many Philly neighborhoods in celebration of Black History Month, highlighting African American cultural and historical sights in the city. Take in the sights and sounds of winter over eight miles. The meeting point is Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row. The walk will be through Fairmount, Old City, Queens Village, and several other city neighborhoods, including a stop at an acclaimed Black-owned bakery known for outstanding and unique cupcakes and their banana pudding. There will be a stop at locations of interest to briefly discuss the historical and cultural significance of each. The walk will be at a moderate pace, and restrooms are available at the start of the hike and at an additional stop during the hike. There is free street parking available on Sedgley Drive. Registration is free.
When: Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia
The spirit of soulfood
Photo source: philadelphiacityinstitute
Some West African foods were brought from the Motherland to the United States. Are you eager to learn more about African American foodways? You have two opportunities to hear activist and longtime chef, Valerie Erwin, present, first at the Philadelphia City Institute and then at the Paschalville neighborhood library. Learn how spices, storytelling, and culture come together on the plate while enjoying interactive Black History games, prizes, and community connection. Get ready to experience a live cooking demonstration exploring the rich history behind dishes deeply rooted in the African diaspora and its culinary traditions. Click the registration link to reserve your spot!
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026, and Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Where: Philadelphia City Institute
Put on your dancing shoes
Photo source: Instagram / stepafrika
What’s more beautiful than stepping with the community? Step Afrika! is bringing The Evolution Tour to Miller Theater. Think of it as a colorful mash‑up of traditional African dances, the high‑energy percussive steps you see in Black fraternities and sororities, and fresh contemporary movement, all stitched together into one powerful show. Expect live songs, storytelling, laughs, and moments that pull the audience to join in the fun as the group leads everyone through the art of stepping. Get ready to clap, dance, or even join the stage.
All tickets, $40 per person, are non-refundable and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to on-street parking, there are many parking garages in the surrounding area to choose from.
When: Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
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