Black History Month 2026

Black History Month is celebrated from Feb. 1 through March 1. The month commemorates the many contributions, cultural influences and achievements made by African Americans.

Celebrating Black history began with Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson. To raise awareness of African American contributions, Woodson announced Negro History Week within the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), in 1925, according to blackhistorymonth.gov. The week was celebrated in February to include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro History Week received positive feedback, with many educators expressing excitement to teach Black history to their students.

When Woodson died in 1950, Negro History Week had become a major part of African American life. Many mayors of major cities nationwide issued proclamations recognizing Negro History Week.

During the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, the contributions and achievements of African Americans became increasingly well known.

In 1973, ASNLH was renamed the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH).

The celebration became a month in 1976, with President Gerald R. Ford inviting Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected, accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” That year, the ASALH commemorated the first Black History Month. Since then, every American president has issued Black History Month proclamations. The ASALH promotes Black history all year!

Triton Events

Triton College is proudly celebrating Black History Month with some events around campus:

Now Showing: Black History Month
The Triton College Library is hosting its Now Showing series in February, featuring films in honor of Black History Month. These films highlight the lives and legacies of influential civil rights leaders Dorothy Foreman Cotton and Thurgood Marshall, jazz pioneer Sun Ra and American abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

Here’s the lineup:

All Films will be screened in the Library classroom (A Building, Room A-215).

Crowns of Excellence Photo Exhibit
The Triton College Library, in partnership with the Visual Communications and Cosmetology and Barber programs, proudly presents Crowns of Excellence, a photo exhibit honoring the artistry, cultural pride and rich traditions of Black hairstyles.

Join us as we celebrate the creativity, confidence and beauty that truly crown our Triton community. The display is located on the Library’s upper level in Room A-321 (A Building). Swing by to see powerful photos captured by current and former students of the VIC Program.

For more information, please contact librarians@triton.edu.

Hidden Figures: Celebrating Unsung Heroes of Black Excellence
The Heritage Committee is hosting “Hidden Figures: Celebrating Unsung Heroes of Black Excellence” event on Thursday, Feb. 12, 1-2 p.m. in Room B-204 (B Building). The event is a joyful tribute to African American culture, food and community. See you there!

For more information, please contact Susan Rohde at susanrohde2@triton.edu.

Black-Owned Restaurants and Businesses

 

Black-Owned Restaurants:

Addis Café
801 S. Oak Park Ave.
Oak Park
(708) 712-1558

Cajun Boil & Bar – Oak Park
1109 South Blvd.
Oak Park
(708) 613-5500

Kingston Market Caribbean & African Groceries
1305 S. Fifth Ave.
Maywood
(708) 356-6215

Priscilla’s Ultimate Soul Food
4330 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Hillside
(708) 544-6230

 

Black-Owned Businesses:

AfriWare Books, Co.
1033 South Blvd.
Oak Park
(708) 223-8081

Einnim LLC
1020 Lake St.
Oak Park
(708) 613-5230

Studio 928
451 South Blvd.
Oak Park
(312) 371-9526

Explore your community and see what else is happening to celebrate Black history!