Black History Month

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements and contributions of African-Americans. It is also a time to recognize the impact that African-Americans had in the development of social, political and economic structures of America and other countries.

Black History Month grew from the Negro History Week founded by Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. His organization was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other people of African descent. The first Negro History week was held the 2nd week in February, 1926. This week was significant in the fact that it coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized the month of February as Black History Month calling for all to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

Take the next 27 days to teach our children about the many accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States and the world. Let them know that as they stand on the backs of those who have gone before them, it is imperative that they leave a legacy for the generation to come build on. To whom much is given, much is required.