Monthly Recognition: Black History Month

This February, Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County joins communities across New York State and the nation in recognizing and celebrating Black History Month.

Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans throughout our history. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the individuals and communities whose leadership, innovation, and work have strengthened our society in countless ways—including in agriculture, education, science, public service, and community life.

At Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, we are committed to supporting inclusive programs and educational opportunities that serve all residents of our community. We celebrate the diversity that enriches Orange County and reaffirm our dedication to learning, collaboration, and respect for all.

We encourage everyone to take time this month to recognize Black history, celebrate Black excellence, and continue building a stronger and more equitable future together.

Fun fact: Many people think George Washington Carver invented peanut butter—but he didn’t. Peanut butter existed before his time. Carver’s real legacy was even broader: he developed hundreds of uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops, helping Southern farmers, at a HBCU Tuskegee University, see the value of crop rotation, improve soil health, and diversify their production. Carver was the first black student and faculty member to attend Iowa State University in 1891 where he studied Botany earned a bachelors, and MSc and then taught.

Last updated February 17, 2026