Joint Resolution Recognizing February 2026 As Black History Month On Its 100Th Anniversary

This joint resolution officially recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month, marking the 100th anniversary of its inception by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal statement from the Maine legislature to honor the contributions and history of African Americans. It specifically highlights Maine's historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, noting that local merchants and shipbuilders were deeply entangled in the global economy of enslavement for over a century. By passing this resolution, state lawmakers aim to encourage residents to learn more about these past experiences and their impact on the development of the state and nation.