Orlando proclaims February 2026 Black History Month, outlines city events

Mayor Buddy Dyer proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Orlando during the city council meeting on Jan. 26, 2026. The proclamation cited the 1926 founding of the national observance by Carter G. Woodson and said the city recommits to recognizing the contributions and ongoing struggles of Black Americans.

Marcia, a city staff member, told the council the city will host multiple events, beginning with an opening reception for a Black History Month art exhibition at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the City Hall Terrace Gallery. A community celebration is planned Feb. 10 at the plaza, with live entertainment, food and activities. The city will feature local visual artists, the City Beautiful employee choir and Orlando’s poet laureate, Kamara Gaither; vocalist Cece Taneil is listed as a featured performer. Marcia directed residents to Orlando.gov/BHM for details.

Mayor Dyer and members of the Black History Month committee invited event sponsors forward for a group photograph following the proclamation. The proclamation and schedule are intended to encourage resident participation in centennial observances of Black History Month and related local programming.

The council did not take formal votes on programming at the meeting; organizers will publish event specifics and schedules on the city website.