Black History Month: Celebrating 100 years
Published on February 12, 2026
February is Black History Month, and 2026 marks 100 years of black history commemorations.
In 1926, historian, author, and journalist Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in February to recognize the contributions of African Americans in February coinciding with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
In 1976, President Gerald Ford and Congress expanded the observance, officially recognizing Black History Month as we know it today.
Reception with Mayor Pavone, Renton City Council, Nate Robinson, and community members
Before the February 2 city council meeting, Renton leaders and community members gathered for a reception in honor of Black History Month. The city also hosted a reception featuring remarks from Mayor Pavone and Family First Community Center's Executive Director Nate Robinson.
"Black is resilient. Black is strong. Black is love. Black is hope. Black is connection. Black is relationship. Black is spiritual. Black is soul. Black is rhythm. Black is wisdom and intellect. Black is beautiful. Black is so many other things, but Black will never quit," Robinson affirmed.
View highlights from the reception here.
The city hosts receptions on a rolling basis, allowing the city to recognize and make space for all the groups that make up Renton’s diverse community.
Proclamation accepted by co-founders of Renton School District’s HBCU
During Monday's city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated February as Black History Month in Renton. The proclamation was accepted by Curtis Riggins and Kirsten Thorton, co-founders of the Renton School District's Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Renton Schools Foundation partners with the Renton School District’s HBCU Delegation Program, which provides comprehensive mentorship to historically underserved 10th- and 11th-grade students.
Black History Month in Renton
In Renton, 9% of residents identify as African American and continue to play vital roles in the city’s success and leadership. That legacy of leadership includes trailblazers like Margaret Proctor, Renton’s first Black councilmember, who was appointed in 1978.
Discover and support local Black-owned businesses any time of the year using the Visit Renton App.
Find additional businesses and local events on the Visit Renton website.