On Tuesday, February 4, the City of Wilmington Mayor and City Council presented the 2025 Black History Month Proclamation to members of the African American History Commission and the NAACP.
In February, the City of Wilmington honors Black History Month. This annual observance is a collaborative effort among multiple levels of government and society to recognize the achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Black History Month highlights the often-overlooked historical narratives of resilience, freedom, progress, and innovation that contribute to our shared American story.
Play Video
Rising Together Honoring History
Founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month began as "Negro History Week" in 1926. February was selected to include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of Black Americans. In 1975, President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Week, urging all Americans to "recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by Black citizens." Learn more here.
2025 Black History Month National Theme
The 2025 Black History Month theme is "African Americans and Labor." This theme explores the impact of Black workers — whether free or unfree, skilled or unskilled, vocational or voluntary — on U.S. history, the economy, and the social fabric, and how they have shaped the collective American experience. Learn more here.
The Colors of Black History Month
The colors associated with Black History Month are black, red, yellow, and green. These colors are derived from the Pan-African flag and symbolize the unity and pride of the African diaspora. Black represents the people, red signifies the struggle and bloodshed, yellow stands for optimism and justice, and green reflects the richness of Africa, borrowed from the Ethiopian flag to honor the only African nation not colonized by European powers.
100th Anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids (BSCP), which was founded in New York City on August 25, 1925. The predominantly African-American labor union, led by A. Philip Randolph, comprised porters and maids employed by the Pullman Company. They played pivotal roles in the history of Black and U.S. labor movements. Learn more here.