The Colbert-Rosenwald Corporation will host the 2026 Black Excellence Day @ The Museum on Saturday, Feb. 21, celebrating educators and the lasting legacy of the historic Annie E. Colbert School, 231 S. Colbert St., Dayton, as part of the 100th observance of Black History Month.
Black History Month was first established in 1926, making 2026 the 100th year of recognizing and celebrating Black achievement, heritage and contributions in the United States.
The event will be held at the Colbert Gymnasium in Dayton. On-site registration will begin at noon, with the program scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and door prizes and refreshments will be provided.
The theme for this year’s event, “Honoring Educators. Connecting Generations,” focuses on the impact education has had within the Colbert-Rosenwald community. The program will recognize former educators of the Annie E. Colbert School, alumni who pursued careers in education, and descendants of alumni who also became educators.
Organizers say those groups represent a continuous legacy of educational excellence that has shaped generations in Dayton and surrounding communities.
The Annie E. Colbert School served students from 1929 to 1970 and was one of the Rosenwald Schools created to expand educational opportunities for African American children during segregation. The school remains a symbol of resilience, leadership and hope within the community.
Keynote speakers for the event will include Mrs. Alpha Wright-Henderson, Ms. Betty Maxie Woods and Dr. Travis O. Young, who will share personal experiences and historical perspectives on the role education has played in shaping lives and communities.
Community members, former students, families, educators and supporters of local history are encouraged to attend. Alumni and legacy educators are especially invited to register in advance to be formally recognized during the program.
Registration is available online at https://bit.ly/3M4qRfm.
The event is organized by the Colbert-Rosenwald Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving local history and strengthening community connections. The program is not a school-sponsored event but supports historical engagement within Dayton ISD.
Organizers say Black Excellence Day @ The Museum will offer an afternoon of remembrance, recognition and inspiration, honoring those who taught, those who learned and those who continue the legacy.