NAACP Rockford Branch Celebrates 100 Years of Black History Month

Community gathers for family-friendly event honoring past and present Black leaders and culture.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The NAACP's Rockford Branch hosted a special Black History Month celebration on February 21, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the first national Negro History Week. The event featured local performers, speeches from community leaders, and opportunities for attendees to learn about the Rockford Chapter's initiatives and get involved.

Why it matters

The centennial celebration highlights the enduring legacy of the Black history movement started by Carter G. Woodson, as well as the ongoing efforts of the NAACP and local communities to preserve and elevate Black culture, knowledge, and the fight for civil rights and equity.

The details

The event took place at the Rockford Public Library and was open to the public. It featured music, poetry, dance, and speeches from local performers and NAACP leaders. Attendees could learn about the Rockford Chapter's work and find ways to get involved in their civic engagement efforts.

  • The event was held on February 21, 2026.
  • The first national Negro History Week was launched in 1926.

The players

NAACP Rockford Branch

The local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which organized the centennial Black History Month celebration.

Carter G. Woodson

The historian who launched the first national Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually led to the establishment of Black History Month.

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What they’re saying

“This year we gather with deep gratitude and resolve. One hundred years after Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week, we honor the generations who preserved knowledge and culture, those who fought for freedom and civil rights, and the artists, leaders, and everyday people who continue to build and enrich our shared future. We welcome everyone to celebrate, reflect, and recommit to equity and community.”

— NAACP Rockford Branch (wifr.com)

The takeaway

The NAACP Rockford Branch's centennial Black History Month celebration underscores the ongoing importance of preserving and honoring the rich history, culture, and continued struggle for justice within the Black community. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains to be done to achieve true equity and inclusion.