February is Black History Month—a time to celebrate the powerful history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans to both culture and society. Austin Community College (ACC) is marking the month with a lineup of free in-person and hybrid events, plus community spotlights and profiles happening across the district.
Through the African American Cultural Center at Eastview Campus, the Truth, Community Healing, and Transformation Center at Highland Campus, and events at campuses throughout ACC, we come together to honor history, uplift voices, and celebrate the legacy and influence of Black communities.
Check back throughout the month as more events are added!
2026 Theme | A Century of Black History Commemorations:
The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” looks back at 100 years of honoring Black history while highlighting the lasting impact these celebrations have had on communities worldwide.
All events are sponsored by the College, the Office of Belonging & Purpose, ACC African-American Cultural Center, ACC Truth, Community Healing, and Transformation Center, BRASS, and the Austin Chapter of Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE).
2026 Black History Month Events
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Highland Campus – Truth, Community Healing & Transformation Center, Building 4000, Rm. 2205
Description: Kick off Black History Month with an afternoon of community and culture! We’re celebrating A Century of Black History Commemorations with a casual mix of music, food, and connection. Come as you are and help us honor the past 100 years of legacy while looking toward the future.
Feb 4: Bloodline Brushstrokes: A Fifth Generation Vision of Jacob Fontaine’s Legacy in Art
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m
Location: ACC Eastview, African American Cultural Center 3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg. 2000, Austin, TX 78702
Description: Exhibition Dates: February 1 – February 28, 2026
Opening Event: February 4, 2026
Experience a powerful visual journey through the history of Central Texas as seen through the eyes of the fifth-generation grandson of Reverend Jacob Fontaine (1808-1898). This exhibition honors Fontaine’s contributions as a founding father of Travis County, a pioneer of the Black press with the 1876 establishment of The Gold Dollar, and a spiritual leader who founded six Black churches in the region.
Through a stunning collection of paintings, Dennis Jacob Berry bridges 19th-century trailblazing with modern artistic expression, inviting visitors to reflect on a lineage of resilience, faith, and entrepreneurship that continues to shape Austin’s identity today. Join us for the exhibition opening featuring a live talk from the artist, interactive art-making exercises and a complimentary lunch.
Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m
Location: ACC Eastview, Student Lounge (Rm 2100.4), 3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg. 2000, Austin, TX 78702
Description: We will spend the day highlighting & celebrating iconic Black cinema!
Feb 12: Oak Springs Elementary Black History Month Presentations
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: ACC Eastview, African American Cultural Center, 3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg. 2000, Austin, TX 78702
Description: Oak Springs Elementary students will share a series of presentations reflecting on the 100-year journey since Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration of Black history in 1926. This showcase aims to encourage students to see themselves as the next chapter of this century-long story. By looking back at the last 100 years of achievements, students learn that their voices are essential in shaping future progress.
Feb 16: February Social: Celebrating Black History Month
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: ACC Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberville Road Austin, Texas (Room: 8105)
3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg. 2000, Austin, TX 78702
Description: Join ACC Student Dems for a relaxed social hour in celebration of Black History Month! This is a space to connect, reflect, and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities. Enjoy good conversation, light refreshments, and welcoming company as we come together in recognition and appreciation.
Feb 18: The African American Cultural Center Presents: The Conversation Lounge Podcast
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: ACC Eastview, 3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg. 2000, Austin, TX 78702
Description: We invite you to be a part of a powerful dialogue on The Conversation Lounge podcast. This February, we will host an important discussion on the core ideas of Black Consciousness. Our guest speakers will unpack four critical pillars essential for sustainable progress: Leadership, Family, Justice & Advocacy, and Mental Health & Wellness. Join us as we explore how these key factors support community prosperity and meaningful advancement. Streaming Link
Feb 19: Lunch & Learn with Professor Roland Hayes
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: noon – 1:30 p.m.
Location: ACC Riverside Campus, Bldg. G, Room 8100
Description: Join distinguished history professor and founding faculty member Roland C. Hayes for a Lunch and Learn at the Riverside campus.
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, Professor Hayes will share insights from over 50 years of teaching at ACC. This session invites attendees to reflect on the power of remembrance and how a century of honoring Black history has transformed our modern world.
Feb 25: How Are You Doing on Your Journey? A Real-Time Wellness Check-in
Date: Wednesday , February 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual. Register Here
Description: Join us virtually for a panel discussion centered on the holistic wellness of Black women in collegiate settings as they navigate the intersection of life, school, and professional aspirations. Recognizing that self-care is a radical act of preservation, this conversation will explore how students manage the unique pressures of academic and cultural expectations while prioritizing mental health, setting boundaries, and cultivating spaces of joy. This session aims to move beyond mere survival, offering actionable strategies for students to thrive emotionally and physically as they transition into their professional journeys.
Feb 27: Black History Month Closing Celebration
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
Location: ACC Eastview, African American Cultural Center 3401 Webberville Rd, Bldg. 2000, Austin, TX 78702
Description: The 2026 Black History Month Closing Celebration serves as the finale to a month of reflection and education, centered on the 2026 national theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations.
We will honor one ACC student and one faculty/staff Member who exemplify the college’s Core Values of Courage, Compassion, Joy and Yes through their dedicated service and leadership.
This event provides a space for students, faculty and staff, and our Austin neighbors to network, celebrate, and reflect on our shared history.
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