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Chester County proclaims February 2026 Black History Month; local faith and civic leaders accept proclamation
Summary
The Chester County Board of Commissioners proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month. Local faith leaders and representatives from the Coatesville NAACP and Black Light Projects accepted the proclamation and urged year-round public engagement.
The Chester County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25 proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month, citing the centennial of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and calling on residents to celebrate the county's diverse heritage.
Commissioner Marion Moskowitz read the proclamation, noting the organization founded by Carter G. Woodson and historical milestones that led to the formal recognition of Black History Month. She said the county calls on residents to "celebrate the county's diverse heritage and culture and to continue the efforts to create a more just world for all."
Local faith and civic leaders accepted the proclamation. Reverend April Martin, pastor of Mount Zion AME Church in Devon, thanked the commissioners and highlighted her church's historical role in civil rights, saying, "Without Black history, there is no American history." She also said Mount Zion plans to restore its historic building and invited the community to "keep your eye on Mount Zion AME Church in Devon."
A representative of the Coatesville NAACP, speaking as the branch president, offered prepared remarks marking the organization's centennial and urged continued work toward racial equality, calling Black history "integral to American history." Teresa Thornton, president and cofounder of Black Light Projects in Phoenixville, accepted the proclamation on behalf of local organizers and encouraged residents to seek out year-round programming celebrating Black history.
Why it matters: The proclamation is a ceremonial recognition by the county that elevates scheduled community programming and public events; the invited leaders used the platform to remind residents that historical preservation and education will continue beyond February.
Next steps: The board did not take policy action tied to the proclamation; community groups encouraged residents to check local calendars for events and programs celebrating Black history in Chester County.
