Montgomery County to Kick Off 2026 Black History Month Events

The first virtual panel in a series of programming will take place on February 4.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Montgomery County officials are set to kick off a full slate of Black History Month programming on Wednesday, February 4, with the first in a series of virtual panels and celebratory events. The free sessions are scheduled for each week throughout February, with the 2026 theme designed to commemorate '100 years of Black history'.

Why it matters

Montgomery County is taking the lead in acknowledging the contributions of the African-American community, not just locally, but throughout the world. Black History Month is an important time to educate the public on the rich history and accomplishments of Black Americans, which are integral to the broader American story.

The details

The premier event on February 4 will feature representatives from the NAACP's Pottstown branch as the organization celebrates a century's worth of Black history. Additional events will spotlight the Center Theater's Charles L. Blockson Exhibition on February 11 and the Historical Society of Montgomery County on February 18, both of which will be live-streamed on the Montgomery County Facebook page. The month will culminate in an in-person celebration on February 25 at the Montco Cultural Center Theatre at Montgomery County Community College.

  • The first Black History Month virtual panel will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The Center Theater's Charles L. Blockson Exhibition will be featured on February 11, 2026.
  • The Historical Society of Montgomery County event will take place on February 18, 2026.
  • The in-person celebration will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 25, 2026.

The players

Magisterial District Judge Hakim Jones

A member of the 15-member committee for more than 16 years, who has served on the committee planning the Black History Month events.

Terrance Barnes

A fellow committee member who said the group met weekly to organize events and gather 'some good honorees' dedicated to celebrating the history and accomplishments.

Jamila Winder

The Montgomery County Commissioners' Chairwoman, who is the county's first Black woman county commissioner.

National Park Service

The agency that recently removed a slavery exhibit from the President's House in Philadelphia, sparking national outrage.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Montgomery County remains in the forefront of acknowledging the contributions of the African- American community, not just locally, but throughout the world.”

— Magisterial District Judge Hakim Jones (mainlinemedianews.com)

“I think it's extremely important. History is something that we can't deny and … it's always good when we can emphasize the great parts of history and the solid contributions of particular groups.”

— Magisterial District Judge Hakim Jones (mainlinemedianews.com)

“I just hope the whole community comes out. I just can't wait to see what it's actually going to be like for the next couple of weeks.”

— Terrance Barnes, Committee Member (mainlinemedianews.com)

“I always believe that it's important to educate on Black history because Black history isn't just history. Black history is American history.”

— Terrance Barnes, Committee Member (mainlinemedianews.com)

“During this month, I often think of my grandmother who grew up in the segregated South. In her lifetime, she went from being treated as a second-class citizen to seeing her granddaughter elected to public office. I would not be here today without her — as well as my mother and father, who instilled the value of public service. My story is not unique. It's one of many that are only possible due to the perseverance of so many Black community leaders and everyday people.”

— Jamila Winder, Montgomery County Commissioners' Chairwoman (mainlinemedianews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Black History Month programming in Montgomery County is an important effort to educate the public on the rich history and contributions of the African-American community, which are integral to the broader American story. The expanded virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic have made the programming more accessible to the community.