Celebrating Black History Month 2026

Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc. and the Billy Strayhorn Foundation celebrated February 2026 as the 100th commemorative year of the first Negro History Week, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, to its current month long national observation.

Black History Month honors the dedicated efforts to recognize the lives, struggles and achievements of African Americans. It takes a look back, as well as a positive visionary look forward, at the individual and collective immense contribution of black history past, present and future, in an accurate and inclusive way.

The inclusion of jazz legend Billy Strayhorn as a historical figure among many, is both honorable and educational as we continue this celebration all year round.