Black History is for everyone.
We invite our neighbors from all walks of life to join us in learning about Black history and celebrating the Black community in Columbus and beyond.
Join Us! 2025 BHMC Community Events
Download Calendar (PDF) Here
2025 Black History Month Columbus Theme
“From Slavery to Philanthropy:
The Invaluable Contributions of Black Labor”
Welcome to Black History Month Columbus! This year, we proudly celebrate the theme, “From Slavery to Philanthropy: The Invaluable Contributions of Black Labor,” as we honor the resilience, innovation, and achievements of the Black community in Columbus and beyond.
Why This Theme Matters
Black labor has always been a cornerstone of progress—from the agricultural work of enslaved Africans that powered economies to the self-determination of entrepreneurs, labor advocates, and community builders. It represents resilience and innovation in the face of injustice.
This year’s theme celebrates stories of strength and triumph:
Resilience is Resistance: Every success in the Black community reflects a legacy of overcoming systemic barriers and advocating for equity.
Black History is Our History: Black labor is inseparable from the story of America, shaping the nation’s cultural, economic, and social landscape.
It’s All Love: Celebrating Black culture with joy and inclusion fosters understanding and connection, inviting everyone to learn, reflect, and grow together.
By connecting with the national theme, “African Americans and Labor,” we honor the collective contributions of Black laborers throughout history while acknowledging their ongoing impact on our communities. Join us!
Take a look at the incredible energy and celebration of BHMC in 2024!
Your support makes a lasting impact in our community.
We aim to create momentum for community healing through inspiring and educational experiences. Your donation will support our year-round efforts to celebrate and honor Black history in Columbus and beyond.
“The thing about Black history is that the truth is so much more complex than anything you could make up.”
— Henry Louis Gates

Black history is our history.
It is inseparable from American history because Black people help shape our world, our country, and our community. We’re passionate about empowering and educating people to create positive change.
Presenting Sponsor
Community Event Partner Organizations
Bartholomew County Public Library
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
Columbus Area Arts Council
Community Education Coalition
Columbus Enrichment Program
Excellence in Teaching Initiative
IUPUC
Ivy Tech Community College
Landmark Columbus
Purdue Extension
United Way Bartholomew County
YES Cinema
On Media
Juneteenth welcomes community to a celebration of ‘Healing Our Soul’
June 23, 2024 - The Republic
10 year celebration: African American Foundation of Bartholomew County shares its plans to reach new goal
February 16, 2024 - The Republic
Jazz pianist set for today’s celebration
February 14, 2024 - The Republic
United Way part of Black History Month events
February 13, 2024 - The Republic
IU Columbus, NAACP host ‘Living in the Middle: Parenting Across Color Lines’
February 13, 2024 - The Republic
Black History Month: Events include a soul food cook-off, free movies
January 27, 2024 - The Republic
Highlighting unity: Free Kwanzaa exhibit kicks off Black History Month
February 3, 2024 - The Republic
Spirited Unity Church Service kicks off Black History Month
January 22, 2024 - The Republic
A show of unity: Annual MLK breakfast set Jan. 15 at The Commons
January 8, 2024 - The Republic
Black History Month community celebration keeps getting better
February 2, 2024 - The Republic
Join us in celebrating Black History all year long!
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