PHOTO PROVIDED From left to right, Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins, Leslie Laing, Gary Abdullah, Jo Dumas, Charles Dumas and Commissioner Amber Concepcion pose for a photo following the proclamation of February 2026 as Black History Month in Centre County.

BELLEFONTE — During their first meeting of the month, the Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation formally recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month in Centre County.

Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, contributions and the enduring legacy of African Americans. For many, the month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the generational struggle of Black people in the United States and to be reminded of the collective responsibility to create a more equitable future, starting in our own community.

“As Black people, we have a legacy of undaunted hope, resilience against oppression and the responsibility to educate our future generations,” said Leslie Laing, Penn State’s director of adult learner programs and services, who alongside other Centre County residents joined the commissioners for the proclamation.

“Education still continues a vital role in advancing our rights and protecting us under the law, making these proclamations urgent and necessary for us locally,” Laing said.

The national theme of Black History Month 2026 is “A century of Black commemorations” to mark the centennial anniversary of Black History Month. In 1926, Black History Month began to take shape, though it originally lasted only one week.

Over the past 100 years, the reflection on and celebration of Black history has grown exponentially. In 1976, 50 years after the first organized commemoration, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month. Ten years later, Congress would follow suit and adopt a law to designate the entire month of February as Black History Month.

The commissioners encourage community members to reflect on the ways they can support, uphold and celebrate the legacy of Black Americans.

“Throughout February and beyond we must acknowledge the power, perseverance and exemplary achievements of Black Americans, who continue to move us toward freedom, fairness, justice and equity,” the county said in a press release. “We are fortunate to have our lives enriched by the Black community in Centre County, and as Charles Dumas put it: we are fortunate to be ‘Americans celebrating fellow Americans!'”

At the meeting, Laing encouraged residents to celebrate and highlighted several upcoming events where community members can participate.

In Bellefonte, the Bellefonte Art Museum will host its Underground Railroad exhibition, A Journey to Freedom, throughout 2026. More information about exhibition content and hours is available at bellefontemuseum.org/underground-railroad.

“I would encourage all residents to stop in and experience this chapter of history, honoring those who continued to individually risk everything in the pursuit of liberty,” Laing said.

Additional events in nearby State College include “Cirque Kalabante Afrique,” an acrobatic performance celebrating West African artistry, hosted by the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State; a storytelling event on Feb. 11 at Fraser Street Commons; and Beads and Brilliance: Our Heritage and Our Achievements, a gala fundraiser supporting the 1865 Freedom Legacy Scholarship.

“I invite the community to take part, to learn more, to grow and to celebrate with us. I thank you all for continuing to support, inform and recognize Black History Month throughout the Centre Region,” she said.