Themonth of Februarysets aside a time to honor America's Black history, from achievements in music and art to political and sports icons.
What started as Negro History Week in 1926 is nowcelebrating 100 years, and the entire month of February is filled with events, celebrations and commendations inAtlantaand across the nation.
But it would be impossible to talk about Black excellence and achievement without mentioning college football.
The College Football Hall of Fame ishonoring Black college athleteswith an exhibit this February focused on Black quarterbacks.
Here's what to know.
'Ascension: Rise of the Black Quarterback' opens in Atlanta
A major new exhibit, titled "Ascension: Rise of the Black Quarterback," opened at the College Football Hall of Fame just before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and will continue through the early summer in Atlanta.
The exhibit examines "the historic evolution of Black quarterbacks in college football — from exclusion and entrenched misconceptions to leadership, innovation, and excellence at the sport's most demanding position."
According to data from the NCAA, a total of 89,090 Black student-athletes competed in the NCAA's three divisions in the 2024-2025 season, an increase from the previous year. This includes students from 52 HBCUs, or historically Black colleges and universities.
Black student-athletes make up40% of football playersin the NCAA.
"Through immersive storytelling, historical artifacts, and data-driven insights,Ascensionconfronts long-standing myths surrounding intelligence, leadership, and athleticism that once limited opportunities for Black quarterbacks," according to The Hall. "The exhibit traces how generations of players, coaches and programs — particularly (HBCUs) — reshaped the game and laid the foundation for today's landscape, where Black quarterbacks now account for 50 percent of NFL starters for the first time in league history."
What's in the exhibit?
Beginning with the face-off of Wade Hampton (Livingston College) and G.E. Ceasar (Biddle University) in 1892, the exhibit highlights the hardships and achievements of Black quarterbacks.
Names like Fritz Pollard (Brown University), Charlie Ward (Florida State University), Steve McNair (Alcorn State University), Cam Newton (University of Florida, Auburn University) and Lamar Jackson (University of Louisville can be spotted throughout the exhibit.
"Visionary" HBCU coaches like Eddie Robinson (Grambling State University), John Merritt (Jackson State University, Tennessee State University) and Archie Cooley (Mississippi Valley State University, University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff, Norfolk State University and Paul Quinn College) are honored as people who inspired the next generation of Black football players.
The exhibit will also have historical artifacts.
Visitors can see Jimmy Jones' replica USC helmet and the cover of Sports Illustrated where he became the first Black quarterback on the front page. Doug Williams' letterman jacket is on load from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Grambling State University.
Steve McNair's SWAC First Team All-Conference Plaque is just down the hall from Bryce Young's 2021 Alabama jersey, Jayden Daniels' 2023 LSU helmet and more.
"Ascensiontells a story that every fan and every young athlete should understand," Kimberly Beaudin, president and CEO of The Hall said. "It recognizes the barriers Black quarterbacks overcame and celebrates how their leadership, innovation and excellence continue to shape the future of college football."
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today's Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College Football Hall of Fame celebrates Black quarterbacks in exhibit
