Black History Month: What It Means To Us
Every February, we celebrate Black History Month. It’s a time when people of all backgrounds can stop to appreciate the significance of Black culture, both in the United States and around the world. Black History Month’s first iteration began in February 1926 with Carter G. Woodson, a man now known as the “father of Black history.” Originally, he chose February as a time to celebrate because it coincided with the birth dates of social reformer Frederick Douglass and US President Abraham Lincoln, both of whom played a significant role in ending slavery. In the years since, Black History Month has evolved to become a time to teach people about the countless — and all-too-often forgotten — accomplishments of Black individuals since the African Diaspora. During the slave trade era, African families were dispersed to different states, nations, and continents, leading to today’s global presence of Black individuals and their many accompanying societal contributions. This year’s Black History Month theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” builds upon this historical backdrop as it celebrates the legacy not just …