By Mia McCauley, Student Intern
This February marks Black History Month (BHM), a time for recognizing the struggles, achievements, and profound contributions of African Americans throughout history, society, and culture. In 2026, this observance holds even further significance as it marks a century of national commemorations for Black History.
At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Black history has played a key role in shaping community, student advocacy, and academic advancement. This year at UW, the theme, Black Love: Rooted, Radiant, Revolutionary, celebrates Black Love in all its greatest forms. “Sacrificial and unconditional love, self-love, familial bonds, deep friendship, and romantic intimacy. We honor how love has sustained, empowered, and transformed Black communities across generations. From ancestral resilience to modern expressions of joy, connection, and community care, we uplift Black Love as a radical force for healing, unity, and liberation.” (Black History Month Planning Committee 2026)
Caasi Woji – Co-chair, Janiya Williams – Social Media, Kayla Ollie – Co-chair, Kennedy Young – Graphics, Lauren Adams – Advisor, Lillian Metekai – Graphics, Avril Nauden, Christian Robinson, Christine Idowu, EJ Mainu, Indigo Keith, Jada Young, Janiah Smith, Jordan Edwards, Jordyn Hawkins, Kaleb Hulon, Layah Johnson, Madison Hird, Makaylah Maxwell, Mikayla Patterson, Nylah Young, Ticaelah Bridges
The series of events begins on February 1 with the BHM Kickoff: Rooted in Love: A Black Wedding, an evening celebrating the start of the month with wedding traditions from the diaspora with music, food, and fun. Following the kickoff, Love Your Temple: A Pilates Experience with Morgan Hill ‘17, is dedicated to self-love and empowerment as a practice through health and wellness. While these opening events lean into music and mindfulness, BHM 2026 events offer something for everyone, no matter your interests.
On February 12, join the BHM Planning Committee at their Love Through Time: A Heartfelt Film & Art Wall event, showcasing and dissecting the different representations of Black love in media, both past and present.
Building on these reflections, the BHM Keynote with Yolo Akili Robinson hosts Black Love as a practice with a workshop designed to help individuals embody the love they desire. Yolo Akili Robinson is a non-binary, award-winning writer, healing justice practitioner, yogi, and the founder and Executive Director of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM).
At its core, BHM 2026 is a celebration of collective legacy and resilience. It fosters a space for individuals to come together, honor one another, and build a community rooted in love.
BHM Planning Committee Co-Chair Caasi Woji reminds the campus of this value. “Community comes in a multitude of forms and shows up differently for different people,” said Woji. “Knowing how you want a community to show up for you is important to know how you may show up for them. I hope this BHM encourages others to want to work for the village within their communities.”
Black Love: Rooted, Radiant, Revolutionary challenges people to look beyond traditional definitions and expectations of love, setting the stage for more meaningful conversations and engagement.
BHM Planning Committee Co-chair Kayla Ollie said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the community responds to the theme of Black love and how it may change their perspectives on how love shows up in their life. While I believe romantic love is still important within our lives and we do plan to highlight it, it can easily become a focus for people when they hear the word ‘love,’” said Ollie. “As a result, we sometimes forget to acknowledge the love that shows up within our friends, family, and ourselves. I hope our events provide a safe and informative environment for people to reflect on the topic.”
For more information on Black History Month at UW–Madison or the UW–Madison Black Cultural Center (BCC), visit their homepage or head to the center on the first floor of the Red Gym.