McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group formally recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month. This year marks a historic milestone: one hundred years of Black history commemorations in the United States and around the world.
Official Proclamation
WHEREAS Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in February 1926 and set it aside as a time to study, teach, and celebrate the significant contributions that Black people had made to American society;
WHEREAS Negro History Week later expanded into a month-long celebration and became known as Black History Month, and was officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, who urged all Americans to honor the historic contributions that Black people had made to America during the nation's Bicentennial;
WHEREAS Black History Month, which originated in America, is celebrated (but observed differently) around the world: from Canada in February to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland in October; from Australia in July (with Black History Month coinciding with National Aboriginal & Islander Day Observance Committee week) to various Latin American nations celebrating specific days, including Colombia's Afro-Colombian Day on May 21, Panama's Black Ethnicity Day on May 30, and Brazil's Black Consciousness Day on November 20;
WHEREAS the Association of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, has faithfully kept the tradition set forward by Dr. Woodson of setting the yearly Black History Month theme, working with ASALH local branches to host Black History Month celebrations, and hosting an annual Black History Month Luncheon;
WHEREAS 2026 marks one hundred years of Black history commemorations: 50 years of Negro History Week and 50 years of Black History Month: and is thereby officially noted in the 2026 Black History Month theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations;
NOW THEREFORE, we, McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group, do hereby acknowledge and recognize FEBRUARY 2026 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH and urge everyone to recognize and observe this month by hosting and/or participating in Black History Month activities, and by taking up the shared work of protecting, promoting, and preserving Black History as a significant part of the American story.
The Significance of 2026
The 2026 Black History Month theme carries particular weight. A century ago, Dr. Carter G. Woodson recognized that the contributions of Black Americans were being systematically erased from history books, classrooms, and public discourse. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, and in 1926, he launched Negro History Week during the second week of February: timed to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
What began as a single week of recognition grew into a nationwide movement. In 1976, during America's Bicentennial celebration, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. He called upon Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
Fifty years later, that call remains as urgent as ever.
Black History in Global Context
While Black History Month originated in the United States, its observance has spread across the globe, reflecting the universal importance of recognizing Black contributions to society, culture, and progress.
Canada observes Black History Month in February, mirroring the United States timeline. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland celebrate in October. Australia observes Black History Month in July, aligning it with National Aboriginal & Islander Day Observance Committee week to honor Indigenous and Black Australian communities together.
Latin American nations have developed their own traditions of recognition. Colombia celebrates Afro-Colombian Day on May 21. Panama marks Black Ethnicity Day on May 30. Brazil observes Black Consciousness Day on November 20, honoring the legacy of Zumbi dos Palmares, a leader of escaped enslaved people who established free communities in the 17th century.
This global recognition underscores a fundamental truth: Black history is human history, and its preservation benefits all people.
Black Contributions to Hospitality and Food Culture
The hospitality industry owes an immeasurable debt to Black Americans. From the techniques that define Southern cuisine to the entrepreneurial spirit that built thriving restaurant districts, Black contributions have shaped American food culture at every level.
Black chefs, restaurateurs, servers, and hospitality workers have innovated despite facing systemic barriers to entry, capital access, and recognition. The culinary techniques born from necessity during slavery: smoking, pickling, frying, and seasoning with limited ingredients: became the foundation of American comfort food. Soul food restaurants became gathering places during the Civil Rights Movement. Black-owned establishments created safe spaces when segregation excluded Black travelers and diners from white-owned businesses.
Today, Black chefs are finally receiving overdue recognition through James Beard Awards, Michelin stars, and media coverage. But recognition alone is insufficient. The restaurant industry must commit to systemic change: equitable access to capital, mentorship programs, supply chain diversity, and fair compensation structures.
At MFRCG, we recognize that restaurant consulting must actively work to support Black-owned businesses, amplify Black culinary voices, and address the structural inequities that persist in hospitality.
The Work Ahead
Commemorating Black History Month is not a passive exercise. It requires action.
Throughout February, institutions across the country will host programming, exhibitions, book displays, and educational events. Museums will open special exhibits. Libraries will curate reading lists. Cultural heritage sites will offer tours highlighting Black contributions. Workplaces will organize discussions and learning opportunities.
These efforts matter. But they must extend beyond February.
The theme "A Century of Black History Commemorations" challenges us to reflect not only on the past 100 years of recognition but on the work required for the next century. Protecting Black history means funding archives, supporting historically Black colleges and universities, and ensuring that curriculum standards include comprehensive Black American history. Promoting Black history means amplifying Black voices, patronizing Black-owned businesses, and creating platforms for Black leadership. Preserving Black history means documenting oral histories, maintaining cultural landmarks, and passing down traditions to future generations.
MFRCG's Commitment
McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group commits to the following actions:
Education: We will actively study and share the contributions of Black Americans to the restaurant and hospitality industry. This includes highlighting Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and culinary traditions in our consulting work and communications.
Support: We will prioritize working with Black-owned restaurant businesses and suppliers. We recognize that access to quality consulting services can be a barrier to success, and we commit to examining our own practices to ensure equitable access.
Advocacy: We will advocate for policies and practices that advance equity in the hospitality industry, including fair wage structures, ownership opportunities, and access to capital for Black entrepreneurs.
Accountability: We will hold ourselves accountable by measuring our progress and reporting on our efforts to support Black businesses and professionals in hospitality.
These commitments are not temporary. They represent our ongoing responsibility as a business operating within an industry that has benefited from Black innovation and labor while often denying Black workers and owners fair compensation and recognition.
A Call to Action
We urge our clients, partners, and colleagues to observe Black History Month through meaningful action:
- Patronize Black-owned restaurants and food businesses
- Read books by Black authors about food, hospitality, and business
- Attend Black History Month events in your community
- Support organizations that preserve Black culinary traditions and history
- Examine hiring practices and supply chains for opportunities to increase diversity
- Commit to year-round recognition of Black contributions to hospitality
Black History Month is not about charity or performative gestures. It is about recognizing truth, correcting historical omissions, and building a more equitable future.
The theme "A Century of Black History Commemorations" reminds us that this work is never finished. Each generation must take up the responsibility of protecting, promoting, and preserving Black history as an essential part of the American story and the global human story.
Conclusion
McFadden Finch Restaurant Consulting Group formally recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month. We honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson's vision and the century of work that followed. We acknowledge the profound contributions of Black Americans to the hospitality industry and American society. We commit to ongoing action that advances equity and justice.
This proclamation represents our values and our responsibility. We encourage every person and business in the restaurant and hospitality industry to join us in observing Black History Month with intention, education, and concrete action.
For more information about our commitment to equity in hospitality consulting, visit our services page or contact us directly.
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