A sold-out crowd gathered Monday morning, Feb. 16, 2026, for the 41st annual Black History Month Observance Breakfast, an event that has become a cornerstone of the community’s annual celebration of heritage, leadership and service.
Hosted by U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr., the breakfast honored local residents whose work continues to shape the region’s present and future. This year’s theme, “Your Voice Matters,” encouraged attendees to stand firm in their beliefs and actively participate in civic life
Serving as keynote speaker was U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, who represents Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District. Beatty reflected on her personal connection to Black History Month and the civil rights movement.
“Black History Month is personal to me,” Beatty said. “I grew up in an era of time in the civil rights movement. Black history means so much to me. I try to make my life and my work committed to advancing all of the things Black history represents.”…