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Centre County commissioners adopt Black History Month proclamation, local leaders outline events
Summary
The board unanimously adopted Proclamation No. 6 of 2026 designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Centre County; community leaders described upcoming exhibits, readings and outreach and urged continued allyship and education.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted Proclamation No. 6 of 2026, declaring February 2026 as Black History Month in the county and urging residents to participate in local events and education efforts.
A commissioner read the proclamation noting Black History Month’s origins in Carter G. Woodson’s work and the presidential recognition in 1976. Leslie and guests, including Gary Abdullah and Charles Dumas, accepted the proclamation and described community programming tied to the observance: the Bellefonte Art Museum’s “Journey to Freedom” exhibit, an African American reading program in State College Area School District elementary schools, a storytelling event on Feb. 11 and a fundraising gala supporting a scholarship program.
Gary Abdullah, who identified himself as a resident and vice chair of a local equity advisory commission, told commissioners that proclamations keep community recognition visible and encouraged future collaborative events and Juneteenth activities. Charles Dumas highlighted the long history of Black participation in the county and urged residents to view Black history as integral to American history.
A motion to adopt Proclamation No. 6 was moved and seconded; the board approved the proclamation by voice vote.
Commissioners used the occasion to highlight national conversations about how history is presented in parks and museums and to urge vigilance in preserving historical exhibits. The proclamation and the speakers emphasized education, voter engagement and cultural programming as local follow-up priorities.
Next steps: local partners will promote the scheduled events and the county encouraged residents to participate in readings, exhibits and public programs during February.
