FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2026
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Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Recognize February as Black History Month in Michigan
LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month in Michigan, honoring the cultural, historical, and economic contributions of Black Americans throughout Michigan.
“This month, we recognize and celebrate the essential and powerful role Black Americans have played in moving our nation forward,” said Governor Whitmer. “Black history is American history and Michigan history too. This month, we take an opportunity to reflect on that shared history, honor the strength and perseverance of those who came before us, and recommit ourselves to building a state with equal rights and opportunity for all.”
“Black History Month invites us to both honor the past and take responsibility for the future,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “By learning from the history, resilience, and contributions of Black Michiganders, we strengthen our ability to confront injustice, advance equity, and build a more unified Michigan, where every person can achieve health, wealth, and opportunity.”
“This Black History Month invites reflection and action, not comfort,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. “While Black names and contributions are being diminished and erased at the federal level, Black Michiganders reiterate that our history and impact cannot be undone. Black excellence, resilience and the pursuit of justice will endure through and beyond this turbulent moment.”
“Black History Month is about remembrance and action,” said Mary Sheffield, Mayor of Detroit. “Our ancestors who shaped Detroit’s history also fought for our future. In honor of their legacy, we’re working to ensure that every Detroiter can access opportunity, create generational wealth and thrive in vibrant neighborhoods that have always been the heart of this city.”
“As the first Black mayor in the history of the City of Jackson, Black History Month is deeply personal to me,” said Daniel Mahoney, Mayor of Jackson. “It is a reminder that the opportunities we have today were made possible by generations who carried hope through sacrifice and struggle. Their legacy lives on in our responsibility to keep moving forward—building communities where every person is seen, every voice matters, and every family has a real chance to thrive.
“The inception of Black History Month can be traced back to Negro History Week, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson,” said Marcus Muhammad, Mayor of Benton Harbor. “This month serves as a poignant reminder that understanding our past is crucial to shaping our future.”
“On behalf of the NAACP Lansing Branch, we are honored that Governor Whitmer continues to recognize and celebrate the importance of Black History Month,” said Harold Pope, President of Lansing NAACP. “Michigan has long stood as a beacon of resilience and progress in the ongoing pursuit of racial justice. From the vibrant Black communities of Detroit and the pivotal role of Michigan citizens in the Underground Railroad, to the leadership shown in the fight for civil rights and labor equality, our state’s history is deeply interwoven with stories of courage, innovation, and hope. These stories must be celebrated, taught, and remembered, not erased or rewritten.
“Black History Month is a joyful celebration of the leadership, creativity, and cultural legacy of Black Michiganders across every region of our state,” said Dr. Shawnrece Butler, Assistant Vice President at Northern Michigan University, for Opportunity, Empowerment, & People. “This legacy lives on through Black workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose talents strengthen our economy and our communities and is carried forward by our students—in classrooms, on campuses, and in communities—where their curiosity, brilliance, and voices shape Michigan’s future. As we honor this month, let us recommit to expanding pathways to meaningful careers, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility, while deepening our commitment to schools and learning environments that nurture belonging, excellence, and opportunity for every young person.”
Black History Month is a time to honor the strength, endurance, and faith of African American ancestors in their struggle for freedom and to pay tribute to the continued pursuit of justice in the face of racial prejudice and systemic inequities. Reflecting on this history provides insight into Michigan’s ongoing efforts to combat racism, strive toward racial equity, and foster an environment of freedom, opportunity, and inclusiveness for all.
Throughout the month, Michiganders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate African Americans’ contributions, sacrifices, and bravery on their journey toward justice, and to work together to promote unity across communities throughout the state, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other expression of identity.
Since day one, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have been focused on delivering for the Black community by getting things done on the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Delivering for Black Michiganders
- Appointed more than 500 Black Michiganders to boards, commissions, and full-time positions.
- 35 Black judicial appointees, including the first Black woman on the Michigan Supreme Court.
- Created the Black Leadership Advisory Council to help tackle racial inequity in Michigan.
- Signed legislation to make Juneteenth a state holiday, ban hair discrimination, and recognize May 2 as Negro Leagues Day in Michigan.
- Set and exceeded a diversity goal for state contracting dollars, and awarded millions in grants to firms owned and operated by entrepreneurs of color.
- Quintupled the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit to give over 600,000 working families a combined $3,800 refund.
- Delivered free breakfast and lunch to all of Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students, saving parents almost $1000 a year per student.
- Expanded access to free pre-K to every four-year old and affordable child care for 150,000 more children.
- Consistently invested in Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, an initiative to address disproportionate racial impacts of maternal and infant mortality and support moms and babies.
- Declared racism a public health crisis and required all medical professionals to undergo implicit bias training to improve healthcare.
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