Black History Month: Acknowledge, Honor, and Celebrate

February is Black History Month, and 2026 is the centennial of this important celebration. This Month shines a light on the many achievements of Black Americans as well as the struggles endured by the community to secure the rights it deserves.

JFCS is eager to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate Black History Month. On February 17, our staff are set to attend the “Black Heritage in Racing Program” at Churchill Downs, followed by a luncheon at the Kentucky Derby Museum. We’re excited to learn about the vital roles Black Americans have historically played in the Kentucky Derby and in horse racing in general.

This follows up on themes we examined last February, in which staff boarded a bus and toured Louisville highlighting locations significant to Black history. Black Americans have always played an important role in Louisville, and it’s beneficial for us to examine the different ways the Black community has enriched our town.

It is JFCS’ vision that all in Greater Louisville live with dignity and purpose; Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to reflect on how to work towards a world where this vision becomes reality.

We’d also like to use our platform to highlight Black History events in Louisville throughout the month. The Louisville Free Public Library, in partnership with the UofL Health Sciences Center Office of Equity and Engagement, will be hosting an installment of its Black History Month Film Series each Saturday of February at the Parkland Library. The films are as follows: Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space on February 7; The Woman King on February 14; Critical Condition: Health in Black America on February 21; and Little Richard: I Am Everything on February 28. These events are FREE with registration at this link: https://www.lfpl.org/bhfilms

Additionally, on February 19, Carmichael’s Bookstore (Frankfort Ave location) is holding a panel of authors Emma McElvaney Talbott, Michael L. Jones, and Ken Clay to discuss the books The Soulful Sounds of Derby Town, Two Centuries of Black Louisville, and Not Far from Freedom. All three of these texts examine Black History in Louisville and its vicinity, inviting participants to grow their understanding of the relationship between their hometown and the Black community. The discussion will be free with registration at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-celebration-tickets-1980024912815

Between February 2 and February 28, the Kentucky Historical Society will feature a tour entitled Highlighting Black History in Kentucky. This event goes through the contributions of Black Americans between Kentucky’s early history and the Civil Rights Movement.

Whether or not you attend any of these events, we encourage you to take time this month to reflect on both the barriers the Black community has faced in the United States and the invaluable contributions Black Americans have made to American culture, as understanding Black history is essential to understanding the history and culture of our country. JFCS appreciates Black History this month and every month.