Los Angeles, February 16, 2026 — February 2026 marks a century since the formal recognition of Black History Month in the United States, and California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is launching a month-long series of events to celebrate the enduring legacy and ongoing contributions of the African diaspora. It’s a big milestone, and frankly, a good reminder that history isn’t just *about* the past—it’s a living, breathing conversation.
A Centennial Celebration of Black History and Knowledge
Cal State LA commemorates 100 years of Black History Month with events exploring intellectual traditions and cultural impact.
- Throughout February, Cal State LA will host discussions, gatherings, and cultural programs.
- A virtual lecture on February 18th will connect contemporary scholarship to the work of Carter G. Woodson.
- The university’s Department of Pan-African Studies, founded in 1969, is a cornerstone of these observances.
- Events include a Black-owned business flea market, film screenings, and an alumni mixer.
What was the original impetus for Black History Month? The observance evolved from Negro History Week, established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, often called the “Father of Black History,” to provide a dedicated time to study and celebrate Black achievements.
A central event of the centennial is a virtual lecture presented by the Department of Pan-African Studies at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, via Zoom. Christel Temple, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Black Studies, will deliver the presentation, “From the Journal of Negro History to the Journal of Black Studies: Genealogies of Black Knowledge Production in Pan-African Studies.”
Temple’s lecture will draw a line between current scholarship and the foundational work of Woodson. In 1916, Woodson founded the Journal of Negro History—now known as The Journal of African American History—as a scholarly platform for research on Black history. His establishment of Negro History Week in 1926 laid the groundwork for what would become Black History Month.
The lecture is sponsored by the university’s Department of Pan-African Studies within the College of Ethnic Studies, the Black Student Union, and the Nigerian Student Association. The Department of Pan-African Studies itself has a rich history, founded in 1969 after advocacy from the Cal State LA Black Student Union in 1967. Students at the time pushed for a Black Studies program and greater representation of Black students and faculty.
Cal State LA’s Cross Cultural Centers also host an annual Black Grad Celebration to honor the accomplishments of graduating Black students. Throughout the month, students, faculty, staff, and community members will participate in a variety of events, including community gatherings, a library exhibit, a Black-owned business flea market, a film screening, a book lecture, and an alumni network mixer.
A complete listing of Black History Month events is available on the university’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging website.
