At the Ashokan Center, we believe that learning, creativity, and community are strongest when they are shared—and when they honor the full, living histories of the people who shape our region. That belief is at the heart of our proud participation in Black History Month Kingston (BHMK) 2026, and in the newly released Black History Month Kingston Guide, where you’ll find Ashokan featured on page 47.
This year’s guide is a powerful, wide-ranging reflection of Black history, leadership, art, food, storytelling, and community building across Kingston and Ulster County. Spanning dozens of events, organizations, and voices, it serves not only as a calendar, but as a celebration of connection, resilience, and creativity.
A Community Effort, Beautifully Led
We want to extend deep gratitude to Caroline Bailey, whose leadership, care, and coordination brought the 2026 Black History Month Kingston Guide to the Ashokan Center. This is no small undertaking—and the result is something truly meaningful for our entire community. Caroline’s work ensures that stories are lifted, organizations are seen, and opportunities for learning and celebration are accessible to all.
We’re also grateful to Mike & Ruth, and to our wider BHMK planning partners, for an intentional scheduling decision this year: thoughtfully placing Winter Hoot and Black History Month Kingston kickoff weekend as distinct events. That clarity allows each experience to shine on its own, while still contributing to a month filled with energy, purpose, and joy. It’s a great example of collaboration done right.
Ashokan’s Role in Black History Month Kingston
As an independent music and nature nonprofit located in the Catskill Mountains, the Ashokan Center’s mission is to inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art. Supporting Black History Month Kingston is a natural extension of that mission.
We are proud to stand alongside partners like MyKingstonKids, Kingston Parks & Recreation, and the Everette Hodge Community Center, offering inclusive, meaningful opportunities for people—especially youth and families—to engage with music, nature, and cultural history. Whether through camps, public events, outdoor programs, or festivals like Hot Chocolate Fest, Ashokan remains committed to access, representation, and community-rooted learning.
The BHMK Guide highlights an extraordinary range of organizations and initiatives—from storytellers and artists to housing advocates, educators, chefs, and community builders—all working toward a more connected and equitable Kingston. We’re honored to be part of that tapestry.
Looking Ahead—and How You Can Help
Black History Month Kingston, and Ashokan’s participation in it, is made possible through collaboration, sponsorship, and sustained community investment. These efforts don’t happen by accident—they are built through relationships, shared values, and generosity.
If you’re inspired by the work highlighted in the Black History Month Kingston 2026 Guide, we invite you to help carry it forward. Supporting Ashokan means supporting programs that connect people to land, culture, creativity, and one another—now and for generations to come.
To learn more about how to support Ashokan’s mission, including community partnerships, youth programs, and scholarship-supported access, we encourage you to reach out to Sara and the Ashokan Center Development team, or visit:
👉 ashokancenter.org/donate
Together, we can continue building spaces where history is honored, voices are amplified, and community thrives—not just in February, but all year long.