BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026

2026 Theme

Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) provides a theme for Black History Month. The annual themes are not designed to restrict or proscribe one’s exploration of the Black experience, rather to focus our attention on important developments in the Black community.

All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in celebrating and participating in Black History Month events are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.

As we spend Black History Month taking in the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) national theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations,” inviting us to “explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world,” let’s take a moment to consider just how much has transpired since Carter G. Woodson first created Negro History Week in 1926 (the precursor for what is now Black History Month), to now as we celebrate the innumerable ways that Black Americans have contributed to the shaping and influence of our nation.

Since the inception of Woodson’s week celebrating the contributions of African Americans, much has happened.

• 1940: Hattie McDaniel became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for her supporting role in the 1939 film, “Gone with the Wind.”
• 1946: Ann Petry’s debut novel, The Street, sold a million copies making her the first Black woman to do so.
• 1947: Jackie Robinson became the first Black American in baseball to cross the color line.
• 1954: Brown v. Board of Education changed the landscape of education when the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous ruling that racial segregation in public schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment.
• 1955: Rosa Parks's arrest initiated the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
• 1963: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech - one of the most defining moments within the Civil Rights Movement.
• 1971: The Congressional Black Caucus was formed.
• 1983: Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, Jr. was the first Black American astronaut to make a space flight on board the space shuttle Challenger.
• 1993: Toni Morrison becomes the first Black American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
• 2008: Barack Obama was elected the first Black president.

The aforementioned, however, is but a fraction of the indelible history. So in the 28 days of this month, we encourage you to take a look at The Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center’s Instagram, and join them in recognizing a different theme within Black history each week. Additionally, we ask that you visit the Africana Studies webpage for additional programming and consider attending any and all of their events exemplifying the scholastic merit of Black History. Finally, and if you find yourself wanting to explore even more Black History Month programming and events, carve out some time to experience the many events happening throughout our San Diego communities.

As we begin the start of Black History month, let’s remember the poignant words of Carter G. Woodson as he conveyed his appreciation for education:

“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.” —Carter G. Woodson

Featured Events

All are invited to attend the following: