NACA Celebrates Black History Month
NACA members across the United States are embracing Black History Month through events and activities in their counties. From historical milestones to modern achievements, 2025 activities aim to educate and inspire and offer opportunities for all Americans to engage with Black history and culture. In this article, we'll explore some of the innovative and meaningful ways NACA member counties are commemorating Black History Month.
Montgomery County, Ohio
NACA Member: Michael B. Colbert, Montgomery County Administrator
Montgomery County is hosting a series of engaging events to celebrate Black History Month:
The Job and Family Services’ Diversity Awareness Committee is holding a special Celebration Luncheon at The Job Center on February 25th. It features employees dressed in traditional African clothing and displays covering Black History topics. Some County Commissioners will also be there.
The County Administration Building will be lighted red, green, and yellow in recognition of Black History Month. A a series of social media posts for the month of February will include the building colors, as well as brief profiles of a few distinguished county employees.
The annual United Negro College Fund campaign is a big part of the County’s Black History Month celebration. Montgomery County was honored earlier this month to receive UNCF’s Leadership Fundraising Award as the region’s top fundraiser after nearly $28,000 was collected in 2024 to help local students realize the dream of attending college. The current campaign features raffles, employee donations, a dine-to-donate event, and an UNO Tournament.
Franklin County, Ohio
NACA Member: Kenneth N. Wilson, County Administrator
Franklin County is offering a diverse lineup of events that blend education with celebration:
Linden-McKinley High School shutdown in May 1971 trailer.
Lunch & Learn "Shutdown" — the story of the Linden-McKinley High School shutdown in May 1971 (Trailer Video). Attendees learned how the political unrest of the time continues to shape the present day. Dr. Simone Drake, Executive Producer, and her father, Edward Poindexter, who were part of the movement joined attendees. View the 2/10 recording on Facebook.
"The Divine Nine" County Photo Op — The Divine Nine have played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, education, and political activism, with many notable leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha), Rosa Parks (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha), among others. Today, the Divine Nine continues its significant influence in politics, business, entertainment, and social activism, fostering a lifelong commitment to service and excellence. Franklin County is proud to assemble local leaders for a memorable photograph.
Thrive Together Celebration - This combined event, held on February 12th, hosted the Thrive Together Resource Fair which aims to connect local businesses with essential resources, support services, partnerships & networks necessary to thrive while also showcasing the rich legacy of Black History through culinary cuisine, culture performances, community storytelling, and additional activities.
On February 25th, Dr. Laura Espy-Bell will discuss their Made for Medicine program in recognition of Black History Month during the Board of Commissioners General Session.
The Franklin County Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion will be hosting Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first African American military pilots on February 25th. This inspiring event, featuring Gregory L. Edmonds, President of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Ohio Memorial Chapter, highlights the bravery, resilience, and trailblazing contributions of these remarkable heroes.
Local station NBC-4 celebrates Black History Month through features which include interviews with county leaders:
Chief Economic Equity & Inclusion Officer, Damika Withers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQIfOd1eGww
County Administrator, Kenneth Wilson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hODygvxzDgc
County Commission President, Erica C. Crawley. The first Black woman elected to the Board of Commissioners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2gHavRIzT0,
Washington County, Oregon
NACA member: Tanya Ange, County Administrator
Here are some of the ways that Washington County, Oregon is celebrating, uplifting, and amplifying Black History Month 2025.
Washington County, OH Black History Month Proclamation.
At the County Commissioner’s regular meeting on January 28th, County staff read the official proclamation for Black History Month 2025 (watch via YouTube). The proclamation was written by members of the very talented planning committee.
The planning committee will also be hosting a classic family games event which will offer connections to fellow county colleagues as well a venue for education using Black trivia and/or Black Jeopardy.
The county will also offer informational education through our intranet platform, Horizons, by highlighting various aspects of Black History (such as Labor and Veterans). The platform will also be used to uplift events that community partners, like the library system, are hosting.
El Paso County, Texas
NACA member: Betsy Keller, Chief Administrator
El Paso County historical marker placed in honor of Maud Craig Sampson Williams.
El Paso County recognizes Black History Month through resolutions to recognize Black history, organizations, and businesses.
Proclamation for Black History Month.
Recognition of the historic contributions of the Black El Paso Democrats.
This year, the county also participated in a Black History Tour of a corridor that housed several Black-owned businesses when El Paso was in its formative years. This includes Estine’s Barbershop which is now owned by a non-profit and re-opened as the Black Business Living Museum on February 9th.
The county continues to memorialize and honor the impacts of Black residents through the placement of historical markers. One marker, placed in front of the courthouse in , was for Maud Craig Sampson Williams to honor her work as an activist for voting and civil rights (pictured at right).
These initiatives demonstrate how NACA members are embracing Black History Month in 2025 through celebrations, reflections on history, and inspiring future generations to carry forward the legacy of resilience, innovation, and excellence of Black people.