Feb. 27 — In 1869, John Willis Menard rose from his seat in the chamber of the U.S. Congress to defend his status as the first African American elected to the institution, thus becoming the first Black to address Congress. Alas, he was denied the seat and returned to Florida where he became a school superintendent.

This year's Black History Month theme is "African Americans and Labor," and plenty of local museums and institutions are putting on special events. State of play: The Library of Congress is showcasing a display on Black labor,

Black History Month goes back nearly 100 years, and is celebrated in February in New Jersey with various events.

Black History Month started as "Negro History Week" in February 1926 as a way to chronicle the accomplishments of African Americans in the aftermath of slavery.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has named the theme for this Black History Month.

Local libraries, colleges and churches are hosting a variety of activities to participate in for Black History Month in your area.

There will be several events held all month long to honor Black history. Here’s a list of the celebrations happening in the Tampa Bay area. Commemorating Black History in Florida Feb. 15, 1 p.m. – 3 p.