2026 Marks a Century of Celebrating Black History Month. In 1925, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established the first Negro History Week to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. What began as a week-long observance grew into Black History Month, opens a new window, marking 100 years of recognizing, preserving and celebrating Black history, culture and people.
The 100th Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Month Commemorations,” reflects on the enduring impact of these celebrations and their role in advancing understanding, visibility and equity for Black communities in the modern world.
Join us throughout the month for engaging programs, activities, films to mark this milestone.
Events
Black History Month: Embroidered Portraits
Art of the African Diaspora - Exhibition
Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Exhibit
Black History Month: Embroidered Portraits
Art of the African Diaspora - Exhibition
Black Panther Party 60th Anniversary Exhibit
BHM Staff Lists
What's in Saint Heron's Library?
Black Authors, American Classics - Non-Fiction
Black Authors, American Classics - Fiction
Black Joy, Brilliance, and History
What's in Saint Heron's Library?
Black Authors, American Classics - Non-Fiction
Black Authors, American Classics - Fiction
Black Joy, Brilliance, and History
BHM Blogs
Found in a Library Book: Black History, Families, and Joy
February 2026
28 Days of Black Librarians
African-American Artists and Painters of 2024 and 2025
Found in a Library Book: Black History, Families, and Joy
February 2026
28 Days of Black Librarians
African-American Artists and Painters of 2024 and 2025
BHM Online Resources
Comemmorator Newspaper Collection
Black Panther Party Community News Service Collection
Audiovisual Material about the Black Panther Party
Research Guide on the Black Panther Party
Comemmorator Newspaper Collection
Black Panther Party Community News Service Collection
Audiovisual Material about the Black Panther Party
Research Guide on the Black Panther Party
Black Culture Fest (BCF) is coordinated by Black staff from across the OPL who represent the diversity of African/Black communities and proudly share the brilliance + strength of our heritages. We support programming for Black History Month (and beyond), while also providing opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and community-building among Black staff members.
Limited Edition Library Cards
ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
In October 1966, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale founded The Black Panther Party, opens a new window for Self-Defense in Oakland California and drafted the Ten Point Platform and Program., opens a new window Everything the Party members did—from installing a stop light at a dangerous intersection to providing groceries to families living in the ghettos, was based on a revolutionary love for the people. Their rallying cry was and is, “All Power to the People!"
A limited run of library cards that honors members of the Black Panther Party will be available at the West Oakland Branch., opens a new window
- Angela Reads
- The Women of the Black Panther Party
- Emory Douglas: The Black Panther Minister of Culture
