The executive team of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) has issued the following statement recognizing February 2026 as the 100th annual Black History Month.

Black History Month was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson in his work founding the group now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The celebration, formerly known as Negro History Week, expanded into Black History Month in 1970, with the first federal recognition coming from President Gerald Ford in 1976.

“This year marks not only the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, but also the 250th anniversary of our nation,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the PLBC. “Black history is American history, and it has made our nation what it is today. Especially now, it is important that we reflect on our history and use it to shape a more just future for people of color across Pennsylvania and our nation.”

“Considering no one can erase what we have built, we cannot let one person’s actions define our present, erase our past and preserve our future. We will do that,” said Rep. Darisha Parker, vice chair of the PLBC. “And we will continue to do so by strategically supporting, uplifting and empowering Black communities. No weapon formed against us shall prosper.”

“In this perilous time, it has never been more clear that preserving and celebrating Black history is essential to our fight to save our republic,” said Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, secretary of the PLBC. “The forces that are trying to erase the historical memory of Black peoples’ foundational contributions to American history and culture are also trying to destroy the constitutional foundations on which our republic stands. We will not forget how we have made America great and we will keep working to keep our republic alive.”

“This Black History Month, we’re not just looking back, we’re marching forward,” said Rep. Justin Fleming, treasurer of the PLBC. “The resilience that Black communities have shown in the face of injustice are the same forces that will strengthen our democracy today. As we honor that legacy, we strengthen our shared commitment to a more just future for all Pennsylvanians.”

To mark the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and the outstanding work of communities of color in Pennsylvania, Nelson has introduced legislation to recognize February 2026 as the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.

The bill’s prime sponsor was Rep. Napoleon J. Nelson (D-154) and co-sponsors included Rep. Tarah Probst (D-189), among others. 

In his memo for the bill, Nelson wrote: “February commemorates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, honoring a century of recognizing the immeasurable contributions, resilience and sacrifices of Black Americans who have helped shape this nation… [Dr. Carter G.] Woodson envisioned a dedicated time to ensure Black history was studied, taught and valued within America’s public education system.

In 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial, President Gerald Ford formally recognized the observance, calling on Americans to honor the “too-often neglected, too-often overlooked” achievements of Black Americans throughout our history.

In recognition of this centennial moment, we will introduce a resolution designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Pennsylvania. The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” emphasizes the significant achievement represented by a century of dedicated Black history commemorations.

Black history is American history. As we mark this centennial year, we recommit ourselves to justice, equity, and honoring the pivotal role Black Pennsylvanians have played and continue to play in the labor movement and in the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.”

[Ed. note: HR-401 was adopted in a floor vote, 194-4, on February 4. Learn more at www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hr401.]

After meeting in secrecy for several years, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus was formally organized by then-House Majority Leader K. Leroy Irvis during the 1973-74 legislative session. The founding members saw the need for the caucus because they felt that legislators representing minority districts needed to speak with a united voice regarding the issues and concerns of their constituents.

Today, the PLBC includes more than 30 members, representing urban, suburban and rural districts across the commonwealth. Our members serve in leadership roles throughout the state legislature—as party caucus leaders, committee and delegation chairs, and appointees to various commissions and special committees. As our membership grows, becomes more diverse, and attains higher levels of leadership in the state legislature, the PLBC remains committed to providing legislative, administrative and other supportive services to our members and their staff; and advancing, or when necessary defeating, legislation and policy that impacts the communities of the commonwealth’s Black, Indigenous and people of color.