Sheboygan County celebrated Black History Month with the Essence of Heritage at the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 21, 2026. This year, the event held 650 to 700 people, doubling last year’s attendance.
In an ongoing partnership, the Black American Community Outreach worked with Lakeland University to display a variety of talent and Black history from music and dance to spoken word.
Lakeland University sophomore and singer Canaya Hayes-Jenkins stated, “the energy was so supportive. I was nervous, but once I hit that stage, I felt ready. I didn’t feel those nerves rushing anymore.” And like many others, her performance touched the crowd.
Josh Gross, a junior in Lakeland University’s fraternity Beta Sigma Omega, said, “The atmosphere was absolutely outstanding when the theater was full.” Having sat in front row seats alongside his brothers, Gross felt the energy all evening long.
He expressed his motivation to perform as well. He said, “I would say having the right people by my side and my brothers…also having my family and friends there to support me while I perform.”
Photo by: Jeff Kernen Photography
Essence of Heritage goes back to core values, history and traditions passed down through Black culture.
This year’s theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations” honors 100 years since Carter G. Woodson launched the first Negro History Week in 1926. It recognizes the growth of the celebration of culture from just a week to a national month-long, global recognition. Black History Month not only highlights the lives of those before but also embraces them as well as acknowledging that while progress is slow, it still progresses in the end.
To learn more about the community partners that made Essence of Heritage possible, visit;
- @lakelandwi
- @beta_sigma_omega
- @lu_betapsinu
