Arizona, February 4, 2026
Arizona is set to observe Black History Month with a variety of community-led events throughout the month of February. Celebrations will take place statewide, marking a century of honoring Black history and culture. Cities like Phoenix, Chandler, and Tucson are organizing diverse programs that emphasize civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and education. From art performances to educational fairs, these initiatives aim to reflect on the contributions of African Americans while inspiring future generations to engage in community development. This year, the events will prominently showcase local leadership and community spirit.
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Commemorates a Century of Black History with Vibrant 2026 Celebrations
Across the Grand Canyon State, communities are poised to observe Black History Month 2026 with a diverse array of events and initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to civic engagement and cultural enrichment. These community-led celebrations, taking place throughout February, honor Black history, culture, and lived experiences, marking a century of national commemorations of Black history. From the bustling streets of Phoenix to the academic halls of Tucson, local organizers and private partnerships are demonstrating remarkable personal initiative in fostering understanding and unity, showcasing how community growth is propelled by proactive involvement.
The spirit of individual achievement and collaborative effort is evident in the extensive programming planned. This year’s observances provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of African Americans to the fabric of Arizona and the nation, championing the benefits of local leadership in cultural preservation and educational outreach. Such endeavors not only celebrate the past but also inspire future generations to engage constructively in their communities, highlighting the positive impact of self-starting initiatives.
Phoenix Metropolitan Area: A Hub of Engagement
The Phoenix metropolitan area is set to host numerous events that underscore community choice and diverse participation. Among these, the “A Taste of Melanin” series returns for its third annual event series in February 2026. Additionally, the Herberger’s Lunch Time Theater in Phoenix will present “Intermezzo: A Recital in Conversation with My Younger Self” from February 2-5 and 10-12. Other notable Phoenix events include “Black Love: The Exhale” presented by Centered.PHX at the Desert Botanical Garden on February 7, and “Cactus and Culture to Host Black Excellence Night” at a Phoenix Suns game on February 10.
Further opportunities for engagement include “Celebrating Black Children’s Book Week” on February 22 and March 1, and a “Black History Resource and Vendor Fair” at Church of Christ at the Vineyard on February 28. These initiatives provide platforms for education, cultural appreciation, and economic empowerment, driven by the personal initiatives of local groups. Moreover, the Arizona State University Library is bolstering the understanding of Black history in the Phoenix metropolitan area through special collections like the Ragsdale Family Papers, which chronicle the impactful lives of civil rights advocates, business owners, and community leaders Lincoln and Eleanor Ragsdale.
Chandler’s Diverse Commemorations
The City of Chandler will offer a variety of events, many organized by community foundations and self-help groups. The Chandler Center for the Arts will host AILEY II on February 6, showcasing the next generation of dance. On February 7, the Shining Light Foundation will present a “Tribute to Local Heroes: Black History Mural Project” at the Chandler Public Library, honoring individuals like Coy Payne and N.J. Harris for their contributions to economic empowerment and positive change.
Music will be a central theme with the “Tribute to Blues and Jazz” at QuartHaus on February 14, presented by the Shining Light Foundation, celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of these genres. The South Chandler Self-Help Foundation will host the “Black History Celebration 2026 Rhythm of Our Roots” at the Chandler Center for the Arts on February 20, featuring a walk through time in music, live performances, and dinner. Further events include a “Tribute to the Till Family” on February 26, a “Black History Month Community Movie Night” featuring “Selma” on February 26, and “Heroines of History: Celebrating Women of the Movement” on February 28, all demonstrating a robust calendar of civic involvement.
Avondale’s Centennial Recognition
The City of Avondale, Arizona, is marking a significant milestone in 2026, commemorating 100 years of officially recognizing Black History Month. [cite: 4 from prompt] This long-standing commitment to acknowledging and celebrating African American heritage highlights the continuity of local government and community efforts in promoting inclusivity. The city has planned an event for Saturday, February 21 at 10 AM, showcasing ongoing local support for these important commemorations. [cite: 4 from prompt]
Tucson and University Initiatives
In Tucson, the University of Arizona Libraries will join the statewide celebration of Black History Month 2026, with activities commencing on February 1. [cite: 3 from prompt, 7 from prompt] A key event is the Douglass Day transcribe-a-thon on Friday, February 13, where participants can contribute to a global effort to transcribe materials from Black scholars and thinkers, a testament to collective action and digital civic innovation.
The University of Arizona’s Africana Studies (AFAS) department has organized an extensive series of events. These include guest DJ appearances by faculty on KXCI Radio on various dates in February, a radio show and happy hour for AFAS faculty, staff, and donors on February 5, and a storytelling panel titled “ALIVE! Preserving the Legacy of Black Storytelling Through Art” on February 6. Other events feature a “Black Culture and Movement – A Century of Black History Commemorations” on February 10, a “Rhythms of the Yard: Black Greek Life, Africana Studies, and Hip Hop Roundtable” on February 20, and an “Evening Honoring Black Owned Businesses” on February 20, underscoring the broad engagement from academic institutions.
Scottsdale Community College’s Educational Focus
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) will contribute to the Black History Month observances with an event on Tuesday, February 24, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. This event will feature Dr. Lekelia “Kiki” Jenkins, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, who will speak on “From Curiosity to Conservation: Science, Storytelling, and Community in Ocean Conservation.” Dr. Jenkins’ presentation will delve into how she integrates environmental science, social science, and creative communication to address significant ocean challenges, offering insights into career paths and community building. Such programs exemplify the power of individual initiative in blending diverse fields for societal benefit.
Nationwide Commemoration: A Century of Black History
The year 2026 holds particular significance as it marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. This enduring tradition, initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson with Negro History Week in 1926, has evolved into Black History Month, deeply embedding itself within American culture and increasingly, the global community. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915, continues to champion the study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history, urging a deeper exploration into its impact on transforming the status of Black peoples worldwide.
These statewide celebrations, bolstered by this national theme, encourage a renewed focus on historical context and individual achievements that have shaped the nation. The emphasis on local, community-driven events demonstrates how limited bureaucracy, when combined with civic innovation, can lead to a rich tapestry of educational and celebratory opportunities.
Fostering Community Through Shared Experience
The numerous Black History Month events planned across Arizona for 2026, including the “Sacred Ink Writing Circle: Black Love as Resistance” a virtual writing circle on February 15, are a testament to the robust civic engagement within the state. [cite: 5 from prompt, 11] These gatherings, many of which are volunteer-driven and supported by local organizations, highlight the power of personal initiative and private partnerships in enriching the cultural landscape. By providing platforms for reflection, celebration, and education, these events collectively contribute to a stronger, more connected Arizona community.
As Arizona honors Black History Month, residents are encouraged to participate in these local celebrations, support community leaders, and engage in the ongoing dialogue that strengthens our collective understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage. These efforts, driven by individual commitment and local choice, are vital in fostering a thriving and innovative community for all. For a full roster of events, residents are encouraged to explore local listings and join in the celebration.
Key Features of Black History Month 2026 Events in Arizona
| Feature | Description | Location Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Observation Period | Throughout February | State-level |
| National Theme | A Century of Black History Commemorations | Nationwide |
| Key Event Type | Community-led celebrations, educational programs, cultural showcases | State-level |
| Phoenix Events | “A Taste of Melanin” series, recitals, “Black Love: The Exhale”, “Black Excellence Night”, “Black Children’s Book Week”, Vendor Fair | Local |
| Chandler Events | AILEY II performance, “Tribute to Local Heroes” mural project, “Tribute to Blues and Jazz”, “Rhythm of Our Roots” celebration, “Tribute to the Till Family”, “Community Movie Night”, “Heroines of History” | Local |
| Avondale Commemoration | Marking 100 years of recognizing Black History Month, event on Feb 21 at 10 AM | Local |
| University of Arizona Initiatives | Douglass Day transcribe-a-thon, AFAS Guest DJs, storytelling, Black Culture and Movement commemoration, Black Greek Life roundtable, honoring Black-Owned Businesses | Local |
| Scottsdale Community College Event | Presentation by Dr. Lekelia “Kiki” Jenkins on ocean conservation | Local |
| Virtual Engagement | “Sacred Ink Writing Circle: Black Love as Resistance” on Feb 15 | Nationwide (Accessible Virtually) |
| Historical Collections | Ragsdale Family Papers at ASU Library | Local |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chandler Celebrates Black History Month
Discover Phoenix: Free Civic Engagement and Cultural Experiences
Tempe Office Market Thrives as Vacancies Hit Multi-Year Lows
Phoenix’s Pulse: Community Empowerment Through Events
Phoenix Rises: Community Action in National Shutdown
Phoenix Celebrates Black History Month with Community Events
Phoenix’s ‘Hike with a Firefighter’ Builds Community
Phoenix Prepares for Major Pride Festival and Traffic Disruptions
Concerns Rise Over CBP Surveillance Aircraft in Phoenix
Arizona’s ‘We Rise’ Program Boosts Black Entrepreneurs
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
