Celebrating a Century of Black History and Its Impact

Throughout February, we are celebrating Black History Month. Black History Month is an opportunity to understand Black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight Black achievement. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to Black History. 

The theme for the 2026 Black History Month celebration is “Celebrating 100 Years of Black History.” A Century of Black History Commemorations marks a historic milestone that reflects one hundred years of national efforts to study, honor, and commemorate the history, culture, and contributions of people of African descent. No single African American in history is perhaps as famous as Martin Luther King, Jr. As we all know, a federal holiday on the third Monday each January celebrates his legacy. In fact, entire sections of textbooks are devoted to his civil rights activism in the 1950s and 1960s.

However, there are many others who have done great things for our country. From Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass, advocates for abolition and civic rights, to Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, both poets and novelists, to Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson, record-breaking star athletes in boxing and baseball. 

Current heroes in the black community include Kamala Harris, the first Black, Asian American, and female Vice-President. Lewis Hamilton, the first and only Black driver in Formula 1 (F1) racing, and the first Black driver to win the F1 World Driver’s Championship. Ta-Nehisi Coates, award-winning journalist, author, and writer. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history, with a total of 32 World and Olympic medals. Ryan Coogler, the first Black director of a Marvel film, Black Panther. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, lead scientist on the Moderna COVID team. These are just a few. See this link for more present-day black influencers.

Together, their work has expanded what's possible and continues to shape culture, opportunity, and innovation today. However, we must also consider how we can create more justice in our daily lives. Honoring the dignity of every human being is central to the Episcopal tradition and our mission. Regardless of what is happening in the political landscape outside our walls, our school is a place where every child and family is respected. Through inclusive practices, service learning, and intentional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, we strive to form students who not only recognize their own dignity, but so the dignity of others. In a world where human dignity is increasingly at risk, Episcopal schools are called to exercise moral leadership by living out love, respect, and justice in word and action.

During this month, let’s all pause and reflect on our own biases, gaps in knowledge, and relationships across racial differences, so we can be at the forefront of creating an educational system that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and social justice.