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Black History Month Recommendations & Resources

Black History Month is an annual celebration each February to honor the achievements, culture, and central role of Black Americans in United States history. As an organization working toward an inclusive society with equitable representation at all levels of leadership and influence, Black history is inseparable from our mission. Our program is designed with an equity lens to help students uphold and honor their cultural identities, and Black History Month gives our scholars, families, and staff a dedicated moment to celebrate that heritage, draw strength from it, and carry it forward as the next generation of leaders. 

In February 2026, we highlighted a number of individuals, events, and personal stories on our social media. Here’s a recap to offer a fresh perspective and inspiration for 2026 and beyond. 

How Our Scholars Celebrate Black History Month 

To kick off our celebrations, we asked our scholars how they celebrate Black History Month. We encourage you to watch the great videos of their answers! And here’s a rollup of their tips: 

  • Elias (Cohort 25): Listen to Black artists with my family 
  • Nuani & Huda (Cohort 18): Trying to cultivate community 
  • Calina (Cohort 3): Looking up unknown Black inventors that many people don’t know 
  • Jazlyn (Cohort 17): Learning about Black historians 
  • Anthony (Cohort 4): Learn about new Black charaters that hae helped us navigatie to the world that we have now 
  • Ariana (Cohort 25): Celebrating all the Black people who got us this far 
  • Russell (Cohort 19): Being an advisor to the next generation 
  • Josiah (Cohort 25): Remembering all the great Black people 
  • Areyh (Cohort 25): Celebrating Monty Cross 
  • Jachin (Cohort 25): Celebrating Black athletes 

Staff Picks 

We also asked our staff to highlight media created by or about Black people—past and present. Here’s our list of books, artists, and content creators who have inspired us:  

BOOKS / AUTHORS 

MUSIC / ART 

  • Beyoncé – “Black Parade” – YouTube 
  • Tracy Chapman – “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” – YouTube 
  • Sinners – Ryan Coogler – IMDB 
  • Moonlight – Barry Jenkins – A24 Films 

INFLUENCERS 

  • Northwest African American Museum – @naamnw – naamnw.org 

Black History Month Events 

Even though these events have passed, we are resharing them in hopes that they spark ideas for you this year. Mark your calendars, as many of these are also annual events. 

  • Throughout February: Columbia City Theatre: Call to Conscience. “Through immersive installations and Programs, the historic Columbia City Theater will transform into an exhilarating curated Black History Month museum celebrating the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black communities in Seattle, Tacoma, and beyond. This year’s museum features curated cultural installations and exhibits highlighting, as well as special events throughout the month.” 
  • Feb 4: An Evening with Stephanie Johnson-Toliver. “Stephanie Johnson-Toliver is a fourth generation Seattleite (and Leschi resident), and President at the Black Heritage Society of Washington State where she advocates for the awareness of historically significant sites. She leads a dedicated Board of Directors who are committed to uphold the Society’s mission as stewards of the largest legacy collection of regional African American memorabilia. Beyond BHS and aligned in a like-minded purpose, Stephanie co-leads at the Historic Central Area Arts & Cultural District and is a board member at the Museum of History & Industry and Office of the Secretary of State-Legacy Washington.” 
  • Feb 5: Living Voices: Fly for Freedom at MOHAI. “Living Voices combines live theatrical performances with archival film, turning history into a moving personal journey. This performance will take place in the Joshua Green Foundation Theater on MOHAI’s second floor. Experience a new historical multimedia program featuring the little-known stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes in Boeing’s factories, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign.” 
  • Feb 7: Crowdsource Choir: Black History Month Singalong. “Join us for a soulful night of communal singing honoring the legacy and brilliance of Black musicians who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives. Featuring Tommie Burton (National Anthem singer for the Seattle Kraken), Ken Nsimbi on drums, and Joel DeJong guiding the room, we’ll turn the space into a living, breathing choir—guided harmonies, big energy, and zero pressure. If you can breathe, you can sing.” 
  • Feb 7: Songs of the Black Folk Film Screening. “Celebrate Black History Month at MOPOP with a screening of Songs of Black Folk, a powerful short film honoring Black artistry, legacy, and cultural richness in the Pacific Northwest. Songs of Black Folk follows musical director Ramón Bryant Braxton as he prepares a Juneteenth celebration featuring the largest gathering of Black musical talent on a single stage in the PNW, while giving voice to the untold legacy of his grandmother. At just under 30 minutes, the film showcases music as both record and resistance, marking an important era in American musical history.” 
  • Feb 19: Taste of the Diaspora: Black-Owned Business Market with Pizza by Ruffin. “Food is one of the most efficient ways that culture travels, and Pizza by Ruffin is leaning all the way into that truth with Taste of The Diaspora. Hosted at the Fairview Market Hall (where Pizza by Ruffin and many other local faves reside), it’s a Black-owned business market that brings community, commerce, and flavor together for an evening in honor of Black History Month.” 
  • Feb 21: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: Black History Month Soiree. “BIMA’s annual Black History Month Soirée is a celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community. The museum comes alive with live music, performances, art-making, and a marketplace spotlighting Black-owned businesses, all centered around connection and shared experience.”