BELLEFONTE —Centre County Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month in Centre County.
Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and the enduring legacy of African Americans. This Month is a time to reflect on the generational struggle of Black people in the United States and to be reminded of our collective responsibility to create a more equitable future, starting in our own community.
“As Black people, we have a legacy of undaunted hope, resilience against oppression, and the responsibility to educate our future generations,” said Leslie Laing, alongside other Centre County residents who joined the Commissioners for the proclamation.
The national theme of Black History Month 2026 is “A century of Black commemorations” to mark the centennial anniversary of Black History Month. In 1926, Black History Month began to take shape — originally lasting only one week.
Over the past 100 years, the reflection on and celebration of Black history has grown exponentially. In 1976, fifty years after the first organized commemoration, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month. Ten years later, Congress would follow suit and adopt a law to designate the entire month of February as Black History Month.
Commissioners encourage community members to reflect on the ways they can support, uphold, and celebrate the legacy of Black Americans. Throughout February — and beyond — we must acknowledge the power, perseverance, and exemplary achievements of Black Americans, who continue to move us toward freedom, fairness, justice, and equity.
We are fortunate to have our lives enriched by the Black community in Centre County, and as Charles Dummas put it: we are fortunate to be “Americans celebrating fellow Americans!”
Emergency Communications upgrade
Another order of business during the meeting was the announcement of federal grant money being awarded for upgrades to emergency communications in the county.
Centre County Government has been awarded $1 million towards the purchase of emergency radio equipment for first responders across Centre County. The overall project cost was roughly $4.5 million when the application was submitted. This Congressionally Directed Spending was supported by Sen. John Fetterman and Sen. Dave McCormick and funded as part of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
The project would allow the purchase of over 1,400 portable or mobile radios to be distributed to various emergency response agencies throughout Centre County. This project would further emergency communicators’ efforts to have coverage of the total land area of Centre County — a goal that is almost in sight, with Commissioner Chairman Mark Higgins noting approximately 99% coverage at present.
The remainder of the overall project cost will need to come from local, municipal, state, and/or further federal funding. Higgins encouraged the public to remember their ambulance memberships, support fire companies’ fundraisers, and discuss with their local leaders; each of these actions can push us toward becoming a more connected and safer community. Centre County Government appreciates all its federal and state partners in supporting our emergency responder community.
