Lawson State kicks off Black History Month with a program on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m., in the ACATT Executive Center on its Birmingham campus. The college will honor this year's national theme, "A Century of Black History Commemoration," with a lineup that includes local high school participants, dual enrollment students, and Lawson State students and faculty. The featured guest speaker is Bettina Byrd-Giles, a sought-after author, storyteller and leading voice in addressing health inequities.
Lawson State, one of Alabama's historically black community colleges, has a rich history of community and cultural involvement. That commitment continues today even as the college has grown its academic and career technical offerings and enrolls students of all races.
Students from Carver High School, Wenonah High School, and Jones Valley Middle School are among this year's participants. Attendees will also hear from Ms. Byrd-Giles, who is also the producer behind "The Booker T. Washington Effect: Audrey's Story," a collection of film shorts about her paternal grandmother's family from enslavement to the present, and the role that the historical giant and Alabama's own Tuskegee University - continues to play in her family's success.
"Black history is not just about the past, it is about understanding the journey, resilience, and contributions that continue to shape our society today," said Carlos C. Morris, chair of Lawson State's Social & Behavioral Sciences department, which is hosting the event.
"Programs like this create meaningful dialogue, encourage awareness, and allow our students and community to learn directly from impactful voices who inspire progress and unity," he said.
The 2026 observance of Black History Month marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established a week long effort to explore the Black experience while emphasizing achievements that merited attention. This year also marks 40 years since Congress officially designated February as Black History Month.
"Black history is not just about the past - it is about understanding the journey, resilience, and contributions that continue to shape our society today" - Carlos Morris
