2026 is the year of anniversaries – Torch’s 20th Anniversary, 100 years of celebrating Black History Month, and the United States’ 250th Anniversary. This trifecta of anniversaries underscores the importance of storytelling. In celebrating this Black History Month’s theme of “A Century of Black Commemorations,” we recognize the impact Black women writers have on America’s history. This month, we celebrate the truthseekers and truthtellers of the past, present, and future. 

Reflecting on these three anniversaries occurring this year, there’s an unavoidable connection between Black women writers and this nation’s history. Stories of America through the lens of Black women provide readers with an unignorable question: how long will Black History run parallel to the stories of America without proper acknowledgement? We may not know the answer, but we understand the importance of preserving our history and legacy regardless.

History is memorialized through storytelling, and Torch’s community of Black women writers is undauntedly sharing theirs. Since 2006, Torch has cultivated an environment for preservation. The many warnings and commentaries from Black women writers in the past eerily foreshadow the future when ignored. This is why Torch exists. Our organization is a history book of Black women from around the world who speak to the times.

We appreciate Black women storytellers all day, every day, but especially during such a commemorative year for this organization, a reflective celebration for Black History Month, and an introspective one for our country.

If you’re looking for some February fun or want to see how you can support Torch’s work this month, here are a few ways:

• Donate to our Amplify Austin campaign: We’re raising $10,000 this year for one of the biggest giving days in Austin. Your contribution automatically enters you to win prizes and support our mission to amplify Black women writers. 

  
  

• Join us for two screenings at Austin Film Society: Our new partnership with Austin Film Society kicks off this month with two screenings. You can watch Daughters of the Dust and/or Compensation (ASL provided) in community with us!

  
  

• Attend a Reading for our 3rd Annual Writers Across the Diaspora Series: This year, we’re excited to bring Dr. Malika Booker for a reading and conversation in partnership with Texas State University. We have two options – one event at Texas State University in San Marcos, and one event at the Carver Museum in Austin.

  
  

• Sign up for our first Workshop of the year: 2025 Torch Fellow, Starr Davis, will be leading “Writing as Oath: Personal Truthtelling in Memoir and Essay”. This free workshop will focus on craft, precision, and sustaining yourself as a writer while telling the truth of your life.

As we celebrate this Black History Month’s theme of commemoration for a century, we encourage Black women to continue writing, to continue sharing, and to be bold and affirmative. We challenge readers to reflect on the times and continue reading works from Black women. Last but not least, we thank our Torch community, donors, and supporters for championing our organization for 20 years.