Black History Month 2026 Begins: A Century of National Commemoration and Celebration
As the nation turns the calendar to February, the United States marks Black History Month 2026 — a milestone year commemorating 100 years since the very first national observance of Black history and culture. What began in 1926 as “Negro History Week,” created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and leaders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH), has grown into an enduring national movement honoring the richness, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans and the African diaspora.
Black writers have carried one of the most important roles in American history — not just as artists, but as truth‑tellers, record‑keepers, cultural architects, and visionaries. Their work has shaped how America understands itself, even when the country didn’t want to listen.
A Theme for the Century:
Reflection and Forward Motion
The official theme for Black History Month 2026 —
“A Century of Black History Commemorations”
— invites communities to reflect
not only on the history itself, but on how the rituals of remembering have helped shape culture, identity, and national understanding of Black life.
Spoken Word & Hip-Hop
J. Cole Previews New Album ‘The Fall-Off’ With Introspective Teaser
The rapper’s seventh studio album is scheduled to arrive on Feb. 6th, a date that corresponds with a local nickname for his hometown, Fayetteville, North Carolina. J. Cole revels in the simplicity of domestic life in this official announcement trailer.
The clip opens with the rapper rinsing his truck at a self-service car wash. The next scene zooms in on him dining solo at a local restaurant.
There’s nothing high-scale or even particularly exciting about either. It’s all painstakingly normal, which seems to be the exact point.
A$AP Rocky Announces ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ World Tour Dates
Photo Credit: gettiyimages At long last, A$AP Rocky returns with his highly anticipated, oft-delayed new album Don't Be Dumb.
On Friday (Jan. 16), the Harlem, N.Y. rapper finally released his first solo album in seven years. Don't Be Dumb includes 17 songs, with production from The Alchemist, Tyler, The Creator, Pharrell Williams, Mike Dean, Hitkidd, Madlib, Metro Boomin and more. Features include Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn, Doechii, Sauce Walka and others. Rocky taps into multiple genres on the project, which was preceded by the singles "Punk Rocky" and "Helicopter$." Learn More
Next up...James Baldwin
Staggerlee wonders (Excerpt)
..."Uncas shall never leave the reservation,
except to purchase whisky at the State Liquor Store.
The Panama Canal shall remain forever locked:
there is a way around every treaty.
We will turn the tides of the restless
Caribbean,
the sun will rise, and set
on our hotel balconies as we see fit.
The natives will have nothing to complain about,
indeed, they will begin to be grateful,
will be better off than ever before.
They will learn to defer gratification
and save up for things, like we do.
Oh, yes. They will.
We have only to make an offer
they cannot refuse...."
Oh, Susanna,
don't you cry for me!...
Copyright © 2014 by The James Baldwin Estate
by James Baldwin
James Baldwin is known far more for his essays, novels, and speeches than for traditional poetry — but he did write poems. This poem is Baldwin at his sharpest — a mix of prophecy, anger, humor, and truth‑telling. It’s written in the voice of Staggerlee, a legendary figure in Black folklore, who Baldwin uses as a symbol of resistance and clarity in a chaotic America. It is eerie when you think that he was talking about the 1980s, but he could just as easily be talking about this morning’s headlines.
This allowable excerpt is from:
James Baldwin, "Staggerlee wonders" from Jimmy’s Blues. Copyright © 2014 by The James Baldwin Estate.
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Online Poetry Resources
Are you an Artist, Author or Poet?
Are you an Artist, Author or Poet?
www.poetryfoundation.org one of the best resources online for anyone interested in poetry. The site hosts an extensive, searchable collection of poems from many eras and styles.
Are you an Artist, Author or Poet?
Are you an Artist, Author or Poet?
Are you an Artist, Author or Poet?
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