You may have seen many of their faces,
               You may have heard some of their names:

Join America in recognizing the many accomplishments of its historic and modern-day sons and daughters of African descent. The contributions, both large and small, of these individuals and others, are an integral part of this nation’s 250-year development.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Countdown to America's Semiquentennial

You may have seen
      many of their faces,
You may have heard
     some of their names:

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Countdown to America's Semiquentennial

Join America in recognizing the many accomplishments of its historic and modern-day sons and daughters of African descent. The contributions, both large and small, of these individuals and others, are an integral part of this nation’s 250-year development.

On July 4th, 2026

The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary and a profound national commemoration unfolds. Spearheaded by the non-partisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the initiative seeks to honor the nation’s history while igniting aspirations for the future. At the forefront of this celebration stands Black America 250, a groundbreaking multiyear media and marketing endeavor aimed at illuminating the rich impact of Black history, culture, and achievements across the nation while envisioning the next 250 years of our contributions. In times such as these, Black America 250 is more than a commemoration—it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of those who have gone before us embodying the spirit of reflection, celebration, and inspiration. By highlighting this journey, we invite all Americans to explore and embrace the diverse tapestry of our nation’s true history. Weaving together stories of struggle and perseverance and achievement and triumph, shifting the pervasive paradigm of Black America’s non existent contribution to this nation — reclaiming our place central to the narrative.

Frank Quagan, Soldiers in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.
(Photo: Varnum Armory Museum)

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment is widely regarded as the first Black battalion in U.S. military history,
This regiment was one of the few in the Continental Army to serve all seven years of war. The unit distinguished itself in battles from the Siege of Boston to the Battle of Rhode Island
and beyond to the culminating Battle of Yorktown.

Black America 250

On July 4th, 2026

The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary and a profound national commemoration unfolds. Spearheaded by the non-partisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the initiative seeks to honor the nation’s history while igniting aspirations for the future. At the forefront of this celebration stands Black America 250, a groundbreaking multiyear media and marketing endeavor aimed at illuminating the rich impact of Black history, culture, and achievements across the nation while envisioning the next 250 years of our contributions. In times such as these, Black America 250 is more than a commemoration—it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of those who have gone before us embodying the spirit of reflection, celebration, and inspiration. By highlighting this journey, we invite all Americans to explore and embrace the diverse tapestry of our nation’s true history. Weaving together stories of struggle and perseverance and achievement and triumph, shifting the pervasive paradigm of Black America’s non existent contribution to this nation — reclaiming our place central to the narrative.

Frank Quagan, Soldiers in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.
(Photo: Varnum Armory Museum)

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment is widely regarded as the first Black battalion in the U.S. military history,
This regiment was one of the few in the Continental Army to serve all seven years of war. The unit distinguished itself in
battles from the Siege of Boston to the Battle of Rhode Island and beyond to the culminating Battle of Yorktown.

Black America 250