February is Black History Month, and a time to reflect on the accomplishments and struggles that Black people have faced in the United States. The month-long celebration serves as an annual opportunity to recognize the impact Black Americans have had on the United States. Black History Month is not only an opportunity to highlight important historical figures, but also to reflect on the ongoing work required to ensure equality for all people.

Although Black History Month is a month widely celebrated across the U.S., it has only been around since 1976. The recognition started as a week-long celebration by Carter G. Woodson, an educator, historian, and one of the first advocates for Black history in American education. In 1926, Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History launched Negro History Week in the second week of Febuary. The week was chosen to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, two significant figures in Black history. Woodson believed that it was extremely important for African Americans to understand their own history and share it with the world. The importance of Negro History Week grew throughout time and as a part of the United States Bicentennial, the week was expanded to the entire month of February. The month later spread across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate African American leaders and pioneers in fields like politics, science, sports, and activism. People such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King Jr., and Langston Hughes are widely acknowledged for their transformative roles in shaping American society. 

Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement remain central to the observance of Black History Month. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and his desire for equality for all people serve as a timeless reminder of the power peaceful protests have in the face of oppression. Likewise, Rosa Parks, who incited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, remains an icon of resistance and resilience to segregation. King’s and Parks’s efforts, among countless others, helped dismantle racial discrimination in the United States. Black History Month highlights the accomplishments of African Americans who excelled in various fields despite constantly facing systemic barriers. Athletes like Jackie Robinson and Serena Williams as well as artists such as Duke Ellington and Nina Simone have demonstrated not only talent, but also a commitment to challenging the status quo and fighting for greater representation and equity. 

February is an essential observance that celebrates the achievements of Black Americans while acknowledging the struggles they have faced and continue to face today. It highlights the significance of recognizing the contributions they have had in shaping the political, cultural, and social fabric of the United States and the world. At the same time, the month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work necessary to address racial injustice and inequality. By reflecting on the past and being able to recognize ongoing challenges, Black History Month is a time for people to stand in solidarity with the fight for a more inclusive society.