Columbus City Council Black History Month Celebration

The City of Columbus held a Black History Month celebration on February 25, 2026, featuring speeches, performances, and the presentation of the Poindexter Awards. The event honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through education, entrepreneurship, public service, construction, law, and civic leadership. Key highlights included recognition of leaders such as Dr. Jean Harris for her impact on education, Dan Moncrief for his work in construction and minority business advocacy, Senator Ray Miller for his legislative contributions, Elsie Johnson for empowering women of color through entrepreneurship, and attorney Alex Shumate for his role in economic and civic leadership. The celebration emphasized the importance of preserving Black history, building lasting institutions, and fostering economic and social opportunities for future generations in Columbus. The event also featured artistic performances and reflections on the legacy and ongoing journey of Black communities in the city.