The 2026 Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” highlights the profound and lasting impact of Black Americans over the past 100 years of Black History Month observance. This theme traces the journey of African Americans from the inhumane conditions of enslavement to their transformative contributions across industries, their leadership in advancing labor rights, and their breakthroughs into the highest levels of civic, economic, and social leadership.
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Black History Month Signature Events
Black History Month Signature Events
Black History Month Kickoff
Black History Month Kickoff
The City of Bloomington proudly commemorates National Black History Month with a celebratory kickoff centered on empowerment, creativity, and community.
The 2026 Black History Month Kickoff will feature a dynamic performing arts showcase that highlights the richness and diversity of artistic expression within our community. This year’s theme, “Showcasing the Performing Arts,” will be emceed by Nia I’man Smith, Doctoral Candidate in Ethnomusicology and host and creator of Sonic Blacknuss, a radio show on WFHB.
Featured performers include:
Indiana University African American Choral Ensemble
Indiana University African American Dance Company
Fairview Elementary School Chorus and Drummers
Bloomington Montessori School Chorus
Jada Chivers, Poet
Kickoff Details
Saturday, February 7th
Showers City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Doors Open: 3:30 pm • Free
Program: 4:00 pm • Free
Black Market
Black Market
The Black History Month Black Market brings together a coalition of Black-owned businesses, creators, artists, and community organizations to celebrate culture, creativity, and economic empowerment. This event creates an affirming space for people of color while providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs and artists to share information, showcase their work, and sell goods.
The event also pays homage to Bloomington’s original Black Market, which was tragically firebombed on December 26, 1968, honoring its legacy of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community solidarity.
Black Market Details
Saturday, February 14th
City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Event: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm • Free
Poster Board Contest & Reception
Poster Board Contest & Reception
Parents, teachers, siblings, friends, and community members are invited to gather at City Hall Council Chambers to celebrate and honor the winners of the 2026 Black History Month Poster Board Contest. Awards will be presented to outstanding students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Join us in recognizing the creativity, dedication, and talent of these young scholars as we celebrate their hard work and artistic expression.
Contest & Reception Details
Saturday, February 21st
City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Doors Open: 12:00PM
Program: 1:00PM
Black History Month Gala
Black History Month Gala
The evening will begin with a Reception and Silent Auction at 6:00 PM, followed by the program at 7:00 PM. Guests will enjoy dining and dancing while honoring the 2026 Living Legend recipients and recognizing the Commission on the Status of Black Males’ Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow.
Tickets will be available beginning Monday, December 1, 2025, and may be purchased at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, online at bctboxoffice.org, or by phone at (812) 323-3020.
When general admission ticket sales open, guests will be able to select from the following meal options:
5 oz. Petite Sirloin Steak with Red Wine Bordelaise, Bourbon-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips, and Cherry-Pecan Wild Rice (Contains dairy; gluten-free; contains nuts)
Roasted Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter, Bourbon-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips, and Cherry-Pecan Wild Rice (Contains dairy; gluten-free; contains nuts; contains seafood)
Penne Marinara with Broccoli, Fennel, and Roasted Red Pepper (Vegan)
Gala Details
Date: Saturday, February 28th
Location: Woolery Mill, 2250 W Sunstone Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
Time: Reception: 6:00 pm
Program: 7:00 pm
Ticketed Event • $60 in advance
ALL SALES END 2/25 at MIDNIGHT. Be sure to purchase before the deadline!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor
South Central Community Action Program
This month serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy of perseverance and progress forged by African Americans in the face of systemic challenges, as well as an opportunity to reflect on their immeasurable influence in building the foundation and future of our nation.
2026 Black History Month Calendar
2026 Black History Month Calendar
The City of Bloomington 2026 Black History Month Calendar is a free publication of the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department. The City of Bloomington 2026 Black History Month Calendar lists events sponsored by the City of Bloomington Black History Month planning committee and community partners to share events. Members of the community are encouraged to submit events for inclusion in the calendar related to Black History Month. Please review the following information for usage.
All events are reviewed, edited, and added to the calendar at the discretion of the calendar administrator. For questions, contact Andrew Shannon, Director of the Safe and Civil City Program, at 812.349.3559 or by email at safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov.
If you need to change information associated with a submitted event (updates, cancellations, etc.), please email Shatoyia Moss your requested updates.
Deadline For submissions is Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Disclaimer: City of Bloomington 2025 Black History Month Calendar has been designed to share information about events and happenings of interest to the Bloomington Community. Events that appear do not constitute official endorsements of The City of Bloomington Black History Month committee
2026 Black History Month Awards
2026 Black History Month Awards
Acknowledging, honoring, and celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans who have devoted their time, talents, and resources to make a difference in the Bloomington community and beyond.
Visionary Leader Award
Visionary Leader Award
The Black History Month Visionary Leadership Award is presented to a person or persons who inspire others through their long-term vision for the betterment of the community. Visionary leaders are innovative, persistent, willing to take risks, enthusiastic, focused and willing to listen to others. Visionary leaders are not afraid to get their hands dirty but but bring others on board through their goal setting and communication.
Past recipients:
2026: Muhammad Saahir (Pictured)
2025: Alexis Briggins
2024: Dr. Gloria Howell & James Sanders
2023: Michelle Gilchrist & Leon Gordon
2022: Jaquita Joy Roberts
2021: Jim Sims
2020: Donald and Nicole Griffin
2019: Jennifer Crossley
Living Legend Award
Living Legend Award
Elizabeth Mitchell
Elizabeth Mitchell
2026 Living Legend
2026 Living Legend
Elizabeth Mitchell is a distinguished historian, cultural preservationist, and community advocate whose work has profoundly shaped the way African American history is preserved and shared in Bloomington, Indiana. Since arriving in the city in 1979, Elizabeth has dedicated more than five decades to service, education, and storytelling. She is married to James C. Mitchell Jr., and together they have one son and two grandsons who remain at the heart of her life and work.
Elizabeth’s commitment to community engagement began early, serving as a Girl Scout leader at Saint Charles School and later as President of the Highland Village Neighborhood Association, where she championed neighborhood improvement and unity. As chair of the United States Postal Service Local Branch Diversity Committee, she worked to advance inclusion within the workplace and beyond.
A passionate steward of local history, Elizabeth served on the Repairing the Breach Committee, helping lead efforts that resulted in the installation of historic markers honoring the Bloomington Colored School and Banneker School—once segregated elementary schools in Monroe County. Her renowned collection of Jim Crow artifacts has become a powerful educational resource, challenging audiences to confront and better understand America’s history of racial inequality.
Elizabeth’s impact extends across media, mentorship, and civic leadership. She has mentored youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters and participated in Shop with a Cop, chaired the City’s MLK Day Junior Committee, and led Bloomington’s Soul Food Festival celebrating culture and diversity. She is cofounder, co-producer, and co-anchor of Bring It On radio and produced Dark Past, Bright Future for WFHB Community Radio. Through Miss Liz Black History Tours, she offers immersive experiences that illuminate African American history in the community.
Her service includes roles on the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission, the African American History Committee at Monroe County History Center, and the Racial Justice Task Force at the Unitarian Universalist Church. As a cofounder of Resilience Productions, she has helped bring stories of perseverance and cultural achievement to the stage. In collaboration with WTIU Public Television, she co-produced three documentaries highlighting important Indiana history, with one accepted into the Heartland Film Festival.
Elizabeth continues her work today through ongoing documentary projects, oral histories, and community storytelling initiatives that explore the legacy of Black communities in Indiana. Her lifelong mission remains clear: to ensure that the stories of the past are preserved, honored, and passed forward to future generations.
Elizabeth Mitchell’s life is a testament to dedication, cultural stewardship, and the transformative power of preserving history. Through her leadership and unwavering commitment, she continues to inspire Bloomington and beyond.
Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow
Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow
2025 Recipients
2025 Recipients
Maurquis Willingham
Adult Male Recipient
Treyanna Moten
Adult Female Recipient
Michael Mmadi
High School Male Recipient
Mya Coleman
High School Female Recipient
The Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is given annually to two African American men and women, respectively from the following categories: high school and adult. The Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is presented each year at the Black History Month Gala Celebration in February. The CSBM recognizes the importance of highlighting the outstanding contributions made by young African American men and women in our community for their outstanding leadership, scholarship, and involvement.
Thank you for taking the time to nominate someone for this award. The 2026 deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Past Recipients
Past Recipients
2006
Matthew Herndon
2007
Cordero L. Rhyne
Alvin Henry (posthumous)
2008
Gerald Lee Mitchell, Jr.
2009
Eddie Cole
2010
Rayshawn Ray
2011
Adrian D. Land
2012
Aaron Barnes
Myles Adams
2013
Burnell Grimes, Jr.
2014
Landon Jones
Gabriel Jones
2015
Terrance Thomas
Laurence Malik Laffoon
2016
Julius Hanks
Dexter Griffin
2017
Brian Richardson
Caleb Poer
2018
Marvin Q. Jones
David Johnson
2019
Tyler Kelly
Sam Young, Jr
Kira Richardson
Naomi Young
2020
Brandon McGee
Justus Beldon
Maqube Reese
CeAira Waymon
2021
JaQualon "JQ" Roberts
Cherelle Hines
Javanique Roberts
2022
Dedric Dennist Jr.
Marsha Jean-Baptiste
Jaylyn Arthur
Paige Washington
2023
Andrew McKenzie
Tatiana Wheeler
D'Andre Black
Sydney Crossley
2024
Ivenson Dumervil
Aidan Woods
Shayla George
Jael Davis
2025
Isabella Debro
Noah Poellnitz III
Makiya Stewart
Ramir D. Williams
2026
Mya Coleman
Michael Mmadi
Treyanna Moten
Maurquis Willingham
2024 Sponsors
2024 Sponsors
To Be Announced
The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
Contributions to the Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund can be made online at www.cfbmc.org/donate-now/ or by check to the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County, 100 South College Avenue, Suite 240, Bloomington, IN 47404. Checks should be made out to the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County. Please indicate "The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund" on the memo line of your check.
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