Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

February is Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich and profound contributions that African Americans made throughout history and before the history of the USA. The distinction here is that before this was a USA, it was a colony of the British; and, except for the many Black people who were already in this land, African Americans were chattel of white slave owners. Our ancestors’ contributions though profound, were exacted from them by slavers under the symbol of the whip, chains, and backbreaking work. This month serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination that has shaped not only Black communities but our entire nation.

If America reflects on the past, Black History Month offers us the opportunity to reflect on the powerful legacies left behind by iconic figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Ida B. Wells, and others too numerous to tell. Their courage burdens of adversity and discrimination, of slavery, The Reconstruction, yoked under Jim Crow Laws, fighting for civil rights, voting rights, and much more, paved the way for freedom and justice. They encourage us to continue in our struggle, and for the progress we continue to strive for every day.

We celebrate ourselves and all those who’ve in the past and today, given us cause for optimism and faith that when we honor the past, and when we also celebrate the achievements of contemporary Black leaders, artists, innovators, and activists, we also know that activism is a rainbow. From trailblazers in science and technology to cultural icons in music, art, and literature, the contributions of Black individuals continue to enrich and diversify our world.

Black History Month is not only about reflection but also about inspiration. It reminds us of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. It's a call to action, urging us to continue advocating for change, supporting Black-owned businesses, and educating ourselves about the systemic challenges that still exist. This February, let's take the time all month long to educate ourselves, support Black communities, and celebrate the incredible achievements of African Americans. Let’s make every effort to help honor the legacy of the human rights struggle in America and promote a more inclusive future, despite what we see happening in our country today.