BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The idea for a Black History Month was first conceived by the historian Carter G. Woodson and members of his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). Together they organized a Negro History Week, beginning in February 1926. They selected the month of February for this celebration because it was close to the birthdays of U.S. Pres. Abraham Lincoln, who had been responsible for the Emancipation Proclamation, and the African American orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
The month is dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and reflecting on the contributions, struggles, achievements, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history.
It highlights stories that were often ignored, overlooked, or erased, helping society gain a more complete and truthful understanding of the past. By acknowledging these narratives, Black History Month promotes awareness, education, and respect.
Beyond remembering history, Black History Month encourages conversations about equality, justice, and inclusion in the present. It reminds us that history shapes modern society and that understanding it is essential for progress.
Through education, celebration, and reflection, Black History Month empowers communities, strengthens identity, and fosters unity.
BLACK HISTORY – IN OUR COMMUNITY
ON FEBRUARY 2, 2026, FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:
DR. WES BELLAMY
Dr. Wes Bellamy combines education, activism, and leadership to uplift the Black community. A former Vice Mayor of Charlottesville, Va. Dr. Bellamy is recognized for advocating racial equity and social justice. As the youngest person elected to that role on the Charlottesville City Council, he helped lead efforts to remove Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson statues from the city’s public parks. Beyond politics, Dr. Bellamy is also the political science chair at Virginia State University, CEO of the Black College Invitational Championship, and a board member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
—Desmond Tutu
“LIFT EVERY VOICE”
ON FEBRUARY 3, 2026, FROM OUR COMMUNITY, WE RECOGNIZE:
MR. ALEX ZAN
An Educator-Entertainer-Motivator who facilitates creative, interactive presentations for children, youth and adults. A resident of Charlottesville, VA, he was an early trailblazer, being one of 12 blacks (known as “The Charlottesville 12”) to desegregate Virginia Public Schools in Charlottesville in 1959.
Alex-Zan is an author, TV producer, columnist, and national in-demand speaker for schools, conferences, staff development workshops and churches around the country.
His passion for touching, moving and inspiring people has led two Virginia cities to proclaim “Alex-Zan Day!” He is also a national and local humanitarian award winner. Through his creative imagination, Alex-Zan has secured over 100 plus copyrights, four trademarks, and developed several cartoon characters that have prompted people to call him the “Info-Trainer” and the “Performing Teacher”.