Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of community, culture and reflection at the Fifth Annual Black History Month Reception, held this year at Tampa’s Black History Museum. The 2026 reception highlights 50 years of Black History Month, first established in 1976, and honors the legacy of those who have shaped our shared story in West Central Florida and beyond.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the program begins at 5:30 p.m. Join us for soul food bites and refreshments, live performances by the Dundo Dole Urban Africa Ballet, spoken word and musical entertainment. The program also features guest speaker Jai Hinson, plus the presentation of the Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. Sankofa Award to the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, serving the community since 1945. The evening will include the Thurgood Marshall History Award, which recognizes a Hillsborough County public high school for the most outstanding Thurgood Marshall History Club project.

Complimentary parking is available on Ray Charles Boulevard, and in the Tempo and Trio parking garages.