2026 Centennial Blessed BLACK History MONTH, HE LFSB, HE Viola B, HE Hugh Hoyte, HE Joyce Hoyte, HE Dr. Barack Hussein Obama; HE Dr. Michelle Obama; HE Prof. Dr. John Edward Greene, CCH; HE Justice Donald Trotman, CCH; Hon. Raphael Trotman, Esq. ABD; Lincoln Lewis, Hon. Dr. Hakeem Jeffries, Esq; Rickford Burke; Dr. Gladys West, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Prof. Dr. Euclid Asquith Rose; Prof. Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, CCH.; Professor Dr. Jacob Opadeyi; Prof. Dr. Lawrence Carrington; and Prof. Dr James Rose.
2026 Centennial Blessed BLACK History MONTH; Few Distinguished Guyanese & Americans; HE Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Esq. SC, O.E.; HE Viola Burnham; HE Hugh Desmond Hoyte Esq. SC. OE.; HE Joyce Hoyte; HE President Dr. Barack Hussein Obama; Dr. Michelle Obama; HE Chancellor/Prof. Dr. John Edward Greene, CCH ; HE Justice Donald Trotman, Esq. CCH; Hon. Raphael Trotman Esq. ABD; Lincoln Lewis, Hon. Dr. Hakeem Jeffries Esq., Rickford Burke, American Black Mathematician Dr. Gladys West, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Prof. Dr. Euclid Asquith Rose; Prof. Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, CCH.; Professor Dr. Jacob Opadeyi; Prof. Dr. Lawrence Carrington; and Prof. Dr James Rose.
February 2026 marks exactly 100 years of national Black history commemorations in the United States.
While the observance has evolved over time, it traces its official start back to 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established the first Negro History Week.
Key Milestone Highlights
The Origin (1926): Dr. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH) launched the first week-long celebration in February 1926.
The Selection of February: Woodson chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14), dates the Black community had already been celebrating for decades.
Expansion to a Month (1976): Exactly 50 years after the first week-long event, the observance was expanded to a full month during the U.S. Bicentennial by President Gerald Ford.
2026 Centennial Theme: The national theme for the 100th anniversary is “A Century of Black History Commemorations”.
Global Context
The 100-year milestone specifically refers to the U.S. timeline.
Other countries also observe Black History Month, but on different schedules:
Canada: Formally recognized in 1995; 2026 marks its 30th anniversary.
United Kingdom: Typically observed in October since 1987.
Photo: LEFT His Excellency Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Esq. SC, O.E.FIRST EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT of GUYANA, FEBRUARY 20th, 103 rd. Birth ANNIVERSARY and Her Excellency Viola Burnham, BA in Latin; and MA in Education.
Photo: RIGHT: His Excellency Hugh Desmond Hoyte Esq. SC. OE. SECOND EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT of Guyana and Her Excellency Joyce Hoyte, an EXEMPLAR.
Photo: His Excellency President Dr. Barack Hussein Obama, 44 th. USA President, Juris Doctor (J.D.) MAGNA CUM LAUDE from Harvard Law School in 1991. The FIRST AFRICAN American PRESIDENT of the Harvard Law Review; AND Her Excellency Dr. Michelle Obama, BA ( Princeton), J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1988.
NOTE. Someone with a JD degree can be called “DOCTOR” in a professional setting, as the title “DOCTOR ” is often used to address individuals who hold advanced degrees, including a JURIS DOCTOR (JD) Degree.
Photo: His Excellency Prof. Dr. John Edward Greene, CCH , University of Guyana 10 Th. Chancellor 2019 To Dec 2025 with a SIX YEAR Tenure.
Ambassador, Professor Dr. John Edward Greene emphasized the importance of ACCOUNTABILITY, CREATIVITY, and RELEVANCE in EDUCATION , urging Graduates to be “VOICES of TRANSFORMATION”.
His Excellency Dr. Greene, a Guyanese native, brought a WEALTH of EXPERIENCE to the role, having served as a UN SPECIAL ENVOY for HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and Assistant Secretary General for Human and Social Development at CARICOM. He is also a prolific AUTHOR with 10 books and over 60 articles published.
Chancellor Prof. Dr. Greene highlighted MAJOR MILESTONES ACHIEVED under his STEWARDSHIP including the University’s institutional accreditation in 2025, the AWARD of more than 40 PhDs through the STAFF IMPROVEMENT SCHEME led by the 11th Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Paloma Mohamed Martin, PhD., MS, AA.
Photo. His Excellency Justice Donald Trotman Esq. CCH.
His Excellency Justice Donald Trotman Esq. CCH., Former HIGH COURT JUDGE, Former United Nations Human Rights Fellow, Visiting Professor of International Law at the University of Bagdad, A Former Ambassador to the United Nations and other Diplomatic Missions; Solicitor General & Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Attorney General & ACTING GOVERNOR of the British Virgin Islands; Puisne Judge, Chair of the Law Revision Commission, Chief Legal Counsel, Financial Services Commission Virgin Islands and Principal, Inter-Law Consultants.
HE Justice Donald Trotman is known for his contributions to Guyana’s JUDICIAL SYSTEM. One of his notable accomplishments is LEADING the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Lindo Creek massacre, where eight miners were killed in 2008. He emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth and bringing healing and closure to the families and the nation. HE Professor/Justice Trotman has served under SEVEN Guyanese PRESIDENTS showcasing his dedication and experience in the judicial sector.
Hon. Raphael Trotman Esq. started his political journey in 1992. He is a prominent Guyanese lawyer and politician who co-founded the Alliance For Change (AFC) party in 2005. Trotman has held several key positions, including SPEAKER of the National Assembly of Guyana (2011-2015) and Minister for Natural Resources (2015-2020).
His Writings and Publications showcase his EXPERTISE in International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Security and Governance: “From Destiny to Prosperity.” ISBN-13. 978-9769566033: A BOOK offering a FIRSTHAND account of his TENURE as Minister of Governance and Natural Resources in Guyana, focusing on pivotal decisions made concerning the EMERGING PETROLEUM SECTOR.
PhD Dissertation, International and Diplomatic Relations with Security Aspect, TITLE “ Accomplishing a Fait Accompli Through Hybrid Warfare: An Analysis of Venezuela’s Territorial Claim and Actions Against Guyana”
Lincoln Lewis
Photo: Lincoln Lewis A Relentless Voice for Workers’ Justice in Guyana and General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).
As a PROMINENT TRADE UNIONIST, for OVER FOUR DECADES Mr. Lewis has dedicated HIS LIFE and CAREER to advocating Workers’ Rights, Constitutional Adherence, and Inclusive Governance. His tireless efforts have significantly impacted Guyana’s LABOR LANDSCAPE, promoting fair labor practices, social justice, and well-being.
Bro. Lincoln’s Education is in Fuel Technology, Seneca College , Ontario, Canada; Labor Education and Management at George Meany College, Washington, D.C.USA ; and at Guyana’s Critchlow Labour College.
2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Trade Union Movement in Guyana.
Photo: RIGHT: Hon. Dr. Hakeem Jeffries, Esq. is a Democratic U.S. Representative for New York’s 8th District (Brooklyn/Queens) and the House Minority LEADER (highest-ranking House Democrat) since 2023. Raised in Brooklyn and educated at Binghamton (BA), Georgetown (MPP), and NYU Law (JD), he worked as a Corporate Litigator and in NEW YORK STATE POLITICS before WINNING his seat in 2012.
Photo: MIDDLE: Ms. Judith Narine from Suriname, Office of NY Council Member Chris Banks.
Photo: LEFT: Mr. Rickford Burke, CHAIRMAN, Guyana Independence Committee (New York); PRESIDENT, Caribbean Guyana Institute of Democracy (CGID); Prolific writer who is Published in the USA, Caribbean, United Kingdom, and Africa.
Rickford Burke, Brooklyn-based, Guyanese-born community, and political activist Rickford Burke is also an International Law, Public Policy, and Political Consultant, who has held various positions in BOTH Government and Private Sector in Guyana and the United States. He entered politics at an early age, serving as technical advisor the Guyanese Minister of Public Service and special assistant to then President of Guyana, Hugh Desmond Hoyte. In the USA, served as VICE PRESIDENT of Saxon National Bank, Northeast area MANAGER for GENERAL MOTORS, International Law Consultant in the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender and policy advisor to New York City Councilmember, David Yassky.
Groundbreaking American Black MATHEMATICIAN Dr. Gladys West, who helped develop the ALGORITHMS behind GPS, died Jan. 17 at age 95.
“A self-described “little farm girl” in the Jim Crow Era, Gladys West’s complex and pioneering work for the U.S. Navy helped to improve billions of lives — and keep us from getting lost.”
“She NAVIGATED SEGREGATION to become an ESTEEMED MATHEMATICIAN — and today, her work helps BILLIONS of people NAVIGATE the WORLD.”
“Massive computers produced modeling data used for GPS.
Dr. West’s work grew in tandem with enormous gains in computing. She began her career at a time when cutting-edge computing meant that researchers’ ideas had to be coded as zeros and ones, punched out on cards, and fed into massive machines.
“Sometimes they’d call you to see if you wanted to watch it, to see whether it blows up or it goes,” West told Notices Of The American Mathematical Society in 2020. She added, “That was old time; it’s much easier now.””
“Without her work, and updates that came later, the intricately accurate navigation and timing of GPS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE, according to the U.S. Space Force.”
Alma mater Virginia State University (BS, MS), University of Oklahoma (MPA), Virginia Tech (PhD)
Photo: American, Black Mathematician Dr. Gladys West, died on January 17, 2026, at the age of 95 at HER FINAL JOURNEY.
Photo: Acknowledgement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ACCOMPLISH Magazine. NIGERIA. CHAIRMAN Dr. Emmanuel Osita Aniemeka, PhD., FMSc. And EDITOR. DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST
As we celebrate BLACK HISTORY MONTH, let us draw inspiration from the powerful legacies of those who fought for justice and equality. Their courage and resilience remind us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” ( Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.).
DO Let us HONOR their stories and continue to push forward, knowing that “EQUITY is not a DESTINATION; it is a continuous JOURNEY we must ALL undertake” We are the dream and hope of our ancestors – let us rise, let us shine, and let us create a brighter future for all.
We can APPLY the LESSONS of Black History by:
LEARNING about and SHARING the stories of resilience and triumph.
Promoting EQUITY, FAIRNESS, and INCLUSION in our communities
SUPPORTING initiatives that address systemic inequalities.
CELEBRATING the achievements and contributions of Black individuals
AMPLIFY marginalized voices by using your platform to uplift and center Black perspectives, stories, and leaders. THIS is a powerful way to DRIVE CHANGE.
THREE QUOTES from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
· “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of COMFORT and CONVENIENCE, but where he stands at times of CHALLENGE and CONTROVERSEY”.
Photos L : Dr. Euclid Asquith Rose, PhD. Professor in the Political Science at CUNY York College and Author;
Prof. Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. CCH 10 th. UG VC & Principal, and Author; and Dr Jacob Opadeyi. PhD, MBA, FRICS. 9 Th UG VC . HEAD GOAL.
Professor Dr. Euclid A. Rose is a renowned Guyanese Scholar and Author, known for his work on international relations, politics, and diplomacy. He’s authored SEVERAL BOOKS , including “Dependency and Socialism in the Modern Caribbean: Superpower Intervention in Guyana, Jamaica, and Grenada, 1970-1985” and “A Race to the Finish Line: The Election of Barack Hussein Obama II as the First Black President of the United States“.
Professor Dr. Ivelaw L. Griffith also has served in several academic leadership roles, including as Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, President of Fort Valley State University in Georgia, Provost of universities in Virginia and New York, and as a Dean at Florida International University. Guyanese educator, writer, and expert on Caribbean security, drugs, and crime. He’s the author of several scholarly books, including “Drugs and Security in the Caribbean” and “Oil and Climate Change in Guyana’s Wet Neighborhood”.
Professor Dr. Jacob Opadeyi is a Guyanese Educator and Administrator. He is currently the Director of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), an initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in Guyana. Previously, he served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana (2013-2016) and held various roles at the University of the West Indies, including Deputy Dean for Enterprise Development and Outreach.
Photos L to R: Professor Dr. Lawrence Deighton DeLacy Carrington 8 th. VC UG & Principal and Professor Dr. James G. Rose, CCH. UG 7 Th. Vice Chancellor.
Professor Dr. Lawrence Carrington, 8 th. Vice Chancellor UG & Principal, as Pro Vice-Chancellor of UWI, he led the development of the UWI Open Campus. A prolific author, Prof Carrington has produced scores of influential publications and spearheaded the development of a common spelling system of French Creoles of the Eastern Caribbean.”
Professor Dr James Rose, 7th. Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Director of Culture in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and Chairman of the National Trust which is responsible for the preservation of buildings of national, architectural, historic, or artistic interests and the preservation of the furniture picture or chattels of any description having historic or artistic value.
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