Board Resolution Recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month

San Diego County Board of Education recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month, honoring the contributions of African Americans and supporting the educational advancement of African American Students. Resolution No. 2026-04 reads:

WHEREAS, Black History Month is celebrated every February as tribute to the achievements of African Americans who have shaped American history from 1619 to the election of the first Black president and vice-president of the United States of America in 2008 and 2020, respectively, and beyond; and

WHEREAS a week was chosen in February of 1926 to celebrate Black History as it acknowledged the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and of Frederick Douglass on Feb. 20, both of whom were recognized as champions of freedom and equality for all men; and

WHEREAS, in the late 1960s America experienced the Civil Rights Movement and prominent civil rights activists supported the evolution of the week into an entire month; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is now celebrated in the United States during the month of February and is promoted by a yearly theme, which for 2026 is, “A Century of Black History Commemorations;” and

WHEREAS, African Americans have played an essential role in the history and shaping of America and whose contributions, carrying the imprint innovation and advancement, are to be honored, shared, celebrated; and

WHEREAS, African Americans are recognized for inventions and achievements in education, entrepreneurship, social services, public safety, health, business, fine arts, entertainment, science, politics, law, engineering, and technology; and

WHEREAS, African Americans have continually enriched and contributed to our society through their longstanding commitment to resilience, justice, equality, civil rights, and economic and social equality for all; and

WHEREAS Black history is a part of American history and as educational leaders we have a responsibility to educate students about the role and contribution of African Americans in history throughout the entire year, including embracing aspects of African American history that are all too often ignored; and

WHEREAS the San Diego County Board of Education partners with school districts and community-based organizations, and is committed to equity in our curriculum, recognizing that African American history is foundational and relevant to all students; and

WHEREAS the San Diego County Board of Education partners with school districts and community-based organizations, and reaffirms its commitment to equity by strengthening culturally and linguistically responsive curriculum and instruction, celebrating the achievements of African American students, and advancing and nurturing the potential of African American students to improve educational outcomes and strengthen their pathways to college, career, and community success;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Diego County Board of Education and county superintendent of schools do hereby adopt this resolution to recognize Black History Month, honor the contributions of African Americans, and support the educational achievement of African American students.