Celebrate Black History

"A Century of Black History Commemorations,"

For Black History Month (BHM) 2026, the national theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations," focusing on 100 years of honoring African American achievements and struggles, with celebrations happening across the U.S. in February, featuring events at cultural sites, schools, and community centers to reflect on Black history's impact, as noted by ASALH and History.com.

Key Aspects of BHM 2026:

Theme: "A Century of Black History Commemorations" marks the centennial of national observances, as per ASALH.
Focus: Exploring how these commemorations have transformed Black people's status in the modern world, notes ASALH.
Activities: Expect events like exhibitions, book displays, lectures, and cultural programs in schools, museums, and community spaces, reports ASALH and History.com.

Black History Events

The Price of Resistance: Sala Udin, American Agitator Screening and Q & A

February 28 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

The Price of Resistance follows Sala Udin’s fearless activism, chronicling his battles with injustice, FBI surveillance, and unwavering leadership in the civil rights movement and beyond. Q & A with the filmmakers to follow screening.

This program is part of our Black History Month 2026 programming.

DETAILS

Date:February 28
Time:1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Category:Film Screening

VENUE

CLP – Homewood
7101 Hamilton Ave
Pittsburgh, 15208 United States + Google Map
Phone412.731.3080

ORGANIZER

OTHER

Age Group Adults

ART meets ICE

Cue Perry designs the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2026 Black History Month jersey

Cue Perry's design for the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2026 Black History Month jersey was primarily inspired by African heritage, culture, resilience, and legacy. Specifically, he incorporated several elements:

African Daishiki influence: Perry noted that the hockey shirt's shape already resembled an African Daishiki and leaned into that aesthetic.
Mud Cloth Markings: He heavily incorporated patterns from African mud cloth, which in African culture is traditionally worn by hunters and warriors for protection, good luck, and goodwill. This element was also a personal homage to his father, who frequently wore mud cloth.
Tribal Markings and Symbols: The design features various African tribal markings and symbols to pay respect to African ancestry and to allow the "African Penguins" community to wear their heritage with pride.

Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1639765577014111

In 2026, Pittsburgh-based artist and educator Quentin "Cue" Perry partnered with the Pittsburgh Penguins as the winner of the Black History Game Heritage Series. Key details of the collaboration include:

Jersey Design: Perry designed the official Black History Month jersey and hockey shirt for the team.
Design Inspiration: His artwork for the project was inspired by African heritage, resilience, and culture.
Commemorative Event: The Penguins recognized the collaboration during their Black History Month game on February 2, 2026.
Fan Promotion: The first 400 fans who purchased a special ticket package for the February 2nd game received a limited-edition hockey shirt featuring Perry's design.

Perry is a well-known local figure who serves as a Creative Arts Advisor for Propel Schools and is recognized for his portraits and murals.

Feb 02, 2026 7:00 PM EST

Black History Game Special Ticket Package

Join us February 2 as we recognize Black History Month with special guests, videos, performances and concourse displays!

All fans in attendance will receive a Black History Rally Towel presented by CNX. Plus, the first 400 community members that purchase tickets through this offer will receive a Black History Hockey Shirt!

Click ‘Get Tickets’ and select your preferred section to get started!

Link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/PenguinsBHM020226?fbclid=IwY2xjawPlrOFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyeFlvbTZndnBFYlptQTZyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnjPwzPtIp3GX7M0pq5nUVXZlinp6OZ8hgNx1s8BFbwFBNjMlUvzotBUg1D6_aem_6SIDNt9zbhPCsN4mGDl4aA&ref=FB

Bringing a group of 10 or more? Please contact Olivia Stawovy at (412) 255-1811 to learn about unique fan experiences and save on online fees!

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators

Feb 02, 2026 7:00 PM ESTPPG Paints Arena 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219,

12th Annual Black History Month Lecture

Black History Month Lecture with Deborah Willis

DATE & TIME Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

LOCATION Heinz History Center 1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh PA, 15222

TICKETING

$10 General Admission
$5 Members

This year’s program features Deborah Willis, Ph.D., one of the nation’s leading historians of photography and author of the groundbreaking, “Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers 1840 to the Present.”

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of “Reflections in Black,” Willis will reveal stories about the photographers and artists whose work reshaped how Black life has been seen, and too often overlooked, in mainstream culture. Her scholarship also connects deeply to Pittsburgh’s own photographic legacy, including the nationally significant work of Charles “Teenie” Harris, whose images of Black life in Pittsburgh stand remain among the most celebrated and influential in American photography.

A MacArthur Genius Fellow and Guggenheim Fellow, Willis serves as professor and chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and directs NYU’s Center for Black Visual Culture/Institute for African American Affairs. Her research explores photography’s multifaceted histories, visual culture, contemporary women photographers, and evolving representations of beauty.

Drawing on her decades of expertise, Willis will explore how photography has captured the depth, creativity, and complexity of the Black experience across generations.

A Q&A book signing will follow the presentation.

Admission

Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. This program will take place in the Mueller Center on the museum’s fifth floor. Not a member? Join today to receive discounted admission.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available upon request. Please contact programs@heinzhistorycenter.org in advance to request accommodations.

About the Speaker

Deborah Willis Ph.D. is a photography historian and author of “Reflections in Black: A History of Black Photographers, 1840 to the Present.” She is a MacArthur Genius Fellow and a Guggenheim Fellow, a New York University (NYU) Professor and Chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts, and the director of NYU’s Center for Black Visual Culture/Institute for African American Affairs.

About the Black History Month Lecture

The Black History Month Lecture showcases historians, scholars, academics, filmmakers, curators, and literary artists who have recently published new work offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with their research and creative practice. Since 2014, the series has welcomed speakers such as Sylviane Diouf, Tera Hunter, Claude Johnson, Leonard Moore, Sowande Mustakeem, Nicole Fleetwood, and David Dennis, Jr. It continues to serve as a platform for scholars and creators to share their work with a broad Pittsburgh audience.

Register

Breaking Barriers in Hockey

Laila Edwards makes history as the first Black woman to represent Team USA in women’s ice hockey

Laila Edwards set to become first Black woman to play Winter Olympic ice hockey for Team USA

The 21-year old University of Wisconsin final year student Laila Edwards has been included in Team USA's 23-player roster for Milano Cortina 2026

Laila Edwards is set to make history as the first African-American woman to play Winter Olympic ice hockey for Team USA, after she was included in the 23-player roster for Milano Cortina 2026.

“It still hasn’t really kicked in yet. Getting that call is like a dream come true,” Edwards told the Associated Press.

“Always had dreams of playing in the pros, but the biggest dream was to go the Olympics, for sure.”

Laila Edwards' quick rise

In just a few short years, Edwards has quickly risen to become one of Team USA's top ice hockey talents, making quite the history along the way.

She became the youngest American to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the women’s hockey world championships when she was 20 years old and helped the USA to their 11th title last April.

A rare two-way player who can contribute in both defence and as a forward, the 1.85m tall (6 ft) Cleveland Heights native, had made her national team debut two years prior, at just 19, becoming the first Black woman to play for the US women’s hockey team and subsequently the first Black woman to win the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Source: Olympics.com

Pittsburgh Celebrates Black History Month 2026