4th Annual Black History Month Kickoff: Building Power Through Coalition

Saturday, February 7, 2026
2:00–6:00 PM | 630 7th St WPB, FL 33401
One-Day Community Summit

This year’s Black History Month Kickoff marks a powerful shift.

Rather than a traditional opening ceremony or performance-based celebration, the 2026 kickoff is designed as a one-day community summit rooted in dialogue, political education, and collective action. This gathering honors Black history not only as remembrance—but as a living, organizing force shaping our present and future.

Together, we will explore how Black history offers a blueprint for unity, accountability, and coalition-building across difference—generation, class, ideology, and geography.

This summit is designed for:

• Community members and elders
• Educators and students
• Organizers and advocates
• Artists and cultural workers
• Youth leaders
• Faith leaders
• Nonprofit and business leaders

All who are committed to building collective power in the Black community are welcome.

The summit will include a moderated conversation featuring:

• Brian Knowles – Author, educator, and cultural thought leader
• SPECIAL GUEST – Scholar, historian, and national voice on Black history, resistance, and liberation

Together, they will explore:

• The role of Black history in shaping modern movements
• What coalition-building truly requires in this moment
• How unity, solidarity, and accountability can be practiced—not just discussed
• Lessons from past movements that guide us forward today

Audience Q&A will be included.

This kickoff is intentionally participatory, not passive. Attendees are invited to reflect, engage, and practice building power together.

Welcome & Grounding
Shared intentions, community agreements, and a grounding moment to open the space.

Featured Panel Conversation
Historical framing and thought leadership connecting past movements to present challenges.

Deep Dive Workshop: Coalition-Building in the Black Community
An interactive session focused on:

• What coalition-building means beyond buzzwords
• Identifying shared values and collective goals
• Navigating internal conflict, power dynamics, and trust
• Small-group dialogue and reflection
• Action-oriented tools participants can take back to their communities

Author Signing & Community Connection
Close the day with Brian Knowles’ book signing, informal conversation, and relationship-building.

• Strengthen cross-sector and intergenerational relationships within the Black community
• Offer practical tools for coalition-building and collaboration
• Create space for honest dialogue, healing, and strategic alignment
• Set an intentional tone for Black History Month programming
• Inspire sustained engagement beyond February

2:00–2:20 PM – Arrival, Welcome & Grounding
2:20–3:30 PM – Featured Panel Conversation
3:30–3:40 PM – Transition Break
3:40–5:00 PM – Deep Dive Workshop
5:00–6:00 PM – Author Signing & Community Connection

This is not just a kickoff—it’s a call to build, together.

Join us as we open Black History Month 2026 grounded in history, guided by community, and committed to collective power.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Rohi's Readery