Scenes from the Black History Month Luncheon at YVC Kaminski Conference Center in Yakima

The 2026 Black History Month Luncheon went off with a hitch inside the new Kaminski Conference Center at Yakima Valley College.

The parking lot was packed as local leaders and members came to celebrate the rich cultural history of Black community that continues to thrive here in Yakima.

When you walked into the building, the first thing you saw were posters filled with pictures from events of Yakima's past, highlighting the behind the scenes and out front efforts of the Black community to beautify neighborhoods, enrich children with appreciation for the arts, and civic leadership.

I was taken aback when I saw that they had my picture up there on one of the posters! What a treat. I am honored.

Can you spot me in the photo below?

The Soul Food Feast Was AH-MAZING

Tahvio's BBQ food truck catered the Soul Food feast for the Luncheon, which included catfish, ribs with meat falling off the bone (that's that Tendernism!), barbecued chicken legs, macaroni and cheese, Sunshine Pie, candied yams, cornbread, and greens.

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A post shared by Jordan Howlett (@jordan_the_stallion8)

This event was sponsored by the OIC of Washington, which is a part of Yakima history itself. It was started in Philadelphia in the 1960s because of the need for a safe and central place where Black folks could come learn about resources to help them find jobs, employment, education, and financial resources they otherwise did not have access to in their communities.

In 1971, an OIC branch opened up in Yakima at the Southeast Community Center (1211 S 7th St, Yakima).