This February marks something extraordinary: one hundred years of Black history commemorations in America. From a single week of recognition in 1926 to a global month-long celebration today, the journey of Black History Month reflects the ongoing work of honoring, preserving, and celebrating the profound contributions that Black Americans have made to our nation and the world.
At Mission Cats In-Home Care, we believe that celebrating diversity and supporting our communities: from San Francisco to Oakland, Walnut Creek to Palo Alto: goes hand-in-hand with the care and commitment we bring to every home we visit. That's why we're proud to formally recognize February 2026 as Black History Month with this proclamation.
The Vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson
In 1926, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched what he called "Negro History Week." His vision was simple but revolutionary: to create dedicated time for Americans to study, teach, and celebrate the significant contributions that Black people had made to American society: contributions that were too often overlooked or erased from mainstream narratives.
Dr. Woodson chose the second week of February intentionally, aligning it with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. But his goal went far beyond symbolic dates. He wanted to fundamentally change how American history was taught and understood, ensuring that Black history wasn't relegated to footnotes but recognized as integral to the American story.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which Dr. Woodson founded in 1915, became the driving force behind these commemorations. For fifty years, Negro History Week grew in influence and participation, laying the groundwork for something even bigger.
From Week to Month: An Expanding Recognition
By the mid-1970s, it became clear that a single week couldn't contain the breadth and depth of Black history that deserved recognition. Universities, schools, and community organizations across the country began extending their celebrations beyond seven days.
In 1976, during America's Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging all Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
That expansion from week to month wasn't just about more time: it represented a growing understanding that Black history is American history, woven into every aspect of our national identity, culture, and progress.
A Global Celebration
What began as an American observance has grown into a worldwide recognition of Black history and contributions. Today, Black History Month is celebrated around the globe, though the timing varies by region:
- Canada observes Black History Month in February, mirroring the American tradition
- The United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Ireland celebrate in October
- Australia marks it in July, coinciding with National Aboriginal & Islander Day Observance Committee week
- Latin American nations celebrate specific days, including Colombia's Afro-Colombian Day on May 21, Panama's Black Ethnicity Day on May 30, and Brazil's Black Consciousness Day on November 20
This global reach speaks to the universal importance of recognizing and celebrating Black excellence, resilience, and contributions to human progress.
2026: A Century of Black History Commemorations
This year's theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations," is particularly meaningful. It marks:
- 50 years since Negro History Week first began in 1926
- 50 years since Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976
One hundred years of intentional remembrance, celebration, and education. One hundred years of ensuring that Black history isn't forgotten, marginalized, or ignored. One hundred years of progress: and ongoing work.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History continues Dr. Woodson's legacy today, setting the yearly Black History Month theme, working with local branches to host celebrations, and organizing the annual Black History Month Luncheon.
Our Proclamation
WHEREAS Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in February 1926 and set it aside as a time to study, teach, and celebrate the significant contributions that Black people had made to American society;
WHEREAS Negro History Week later expanded into a month-long celebration and became known as Black History Month, and was officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, who urged all Americans to honor the historic contributions that Black people had made to America during the nation's Bicentennial;
WHEREAS Black History Month, which originated in America, is celebrated (but observed differently) around the world: from Canada in February to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland in October; from Australia in July to various Latin American nations celebrating specific days;
WHEREAS the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, has faithfully kept the tradition set forward by Dr. Woodson of setting the yearly Black History Month theme, working with ASALH local branches to host Black History Month celebrations, and hosting an annual Black History Month Luncheon;
WHEREAS 2026 marks one hundred years of Black history commemorations: 50 years of Negro History Week and 50 years of Black History Month: and is thereby officially noted in the 2026 Black History Month theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations;
NOW THEREFORE, we, Mission Cats In-Home Care, do hereby acknowledge and recognize FEBRUARY 2026 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH and urge everyone to recognize and observe this month by hosting and/or participating in Black History Month activities, and by taking up the shared work of protecting, promoting, and preserving Black History as a significant part of the American story.
Celebrating in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area has a rich history of Black excellence, activism, and cultural contributions. From the vibrant communities in Oakland to the historic neighborhoods of San Francisco, from Walnut Creek to Palo Alto, our region has been home to countless Black leaders, artists, activists, and everyday heroes who have shaped our communities for the better.
This February, we encourage all Bay Area residents to:
- Attend local Black History Month events in San Francisco, Oakland, and throughout the East Bay
- Support Black-owned businesses in your community
- Visit museums and cultural centers that celebrate Black history, like the African American Museum & Library at Oakland
- Read books by Black authors and share their stories
- Engage in conversations about race, equity, and justice
- Volunteer with organizations working toward racial equity
Whether you're a cat parent in Palo Alto looking for reliable cat sitting services or an Oakland resident seeking professional cat care, we believe in building communities where everyone is valued, celebrated, and supported.
Our Commitment to Community
At Mission Cats In-Home Care, we serve the entire Bay Area with cat sitting in San Francisco, cat sitters in Oakland, cat sitting in Walnut Creek, and cat sitting in Palo Alto. But our work goes beyond pet care: it's about being active, responsible members of the communities we serve.
Recognizing Black History Month is one small way we honor the diverse tapestry of our Bay Area communities and commit to ongoing learning, growth, and support for equity and justice.
As we care for your beloved feline companions with professionalism and dedication, we also commit to caring for our communities with the same level of attention and respect. Because great cat care and strong community values go hand-in-hand.
This February, let's celebrate a century of Black history commemorations together: honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a more equitable future for all.
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