Ross County — February is Black History Month, and the county commissioners recognized that with a proclamation on Monday. The annual Black History Month program is tonight at OUC, and another event is Saturday at the Lucy House.
Adrienne D’Souza said the commissioners asked her to accept the proclamation on February 17th, 2026. She said is is important to continue to commemorate Black History Month in its 100th year since it there are attempts now to erase African-American history.
D’Souza said local events started with last week’s annual Chillicothe High School program that included a speech by Alicia Gray and dance ministry by the Original Glorious Church of God in Christ.
Then tonight is the annual Black History Month event, sponsored by the Ross County NAACP and Chillicothe-Ross Public Library, hosted by Ohio University Chillicothe. Alicia Gray, daughter of historian Beverly Gray, will again be the speaker. Doors open at 6:30, and the program starts at 7:00.
The online auction of Queen Lester’s hat collection will also be highlighted, a fundraiser for the local League of Women Voters. (Learn about that in a related story.)
Then on Saturday, “Reflections of Black History through Art” will be at the Lucy Hayes Heritage Center. Angela Young, representing the Pump House Center for the Arts, will present at 2pm at 90 West Sixth Street in Chillicothe.
See flyers for the events below, and information on tonight’s event on the Facebook pages of the Ross County NAACP and Chillicothe-Ross Public Library. Hear D’Souza in her own words below.
The Ross County Commissioners posted a photo of the proclamation presentation and explanatory text:
The Ross County Board of Commissioners proudly proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month, marking a century of national Black history commemorations. First established in 1926 through the vision and leadership of Carter G. Woodson and fellow scholars, Black History Month continues to recognize and honor the profound impact of African Americans on our communities, our state, and our nation. As we also approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, this milestone year reminds us of the importance of telling not only an inclusive history, but an accurate one. Black history is not simply a chapter within a larger story — it is a living, resonant history that continues to shape our present and future. Ross County is proud to honor the contributions, resilience, leadership, and achievements of Black Americans — past and present. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” We encourage all residents to reflect, learn, and celebrate throughout the month of February.
