State House advances three measures recognizing Black history
Rep. Napoleon Nelson February 6, 2026 | 3:59 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – The Pennsylvania House has advanced three measures this week, including two introduced by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, that will serve to recognize the history and contributions made by Black communities to the United States.
The House adopted H.R. 401 with overwhelming bipartisan support, which recognizes February 2026 as the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Established in 1926, Black History Month was first recognized federally in 1976.
“As we mark the centennial year of Black History Month and the 250th anniversary of our nation, I am proud to have so many of my colleagues come together and recognize that Black history is American history and recommit our efforts to justice and equity,” said Nelson, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.
The House State Government Committee this week also advanced H.B. 1806, which would designate March 9 of each year as “6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day,” recognizing the service of the only all African American and all-female battalion deployed during World War II. Eighty-one of the 850 women in the battalion were residents of Pennsylvania when they enlisted.
“The contributions that Black women have made to our history have often been forgotten or ignored, especially in the military,” Nelson said. “However, the resilience and patriotism of these women helped to ensure our victory and contributed to the post-war prosperity our nation saw.”
House Bill 1806 now moves to the full House for consideration.
The House also adopted H.R. 413, a resolution introduced by Rep. Aerion Abney commemorating the recently passed 50th anniversary of the closure of Freedom House Ambulance Service, which was recently featured in Season 1 of the acclaimed series The Pitt.