February marks the beginning of Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, beginning Feb. 1, 2022 and ending on March 1, 2022. During the month, we honor the incredible contributions the Black community has made throughout history, from civil rights leaders to artisits and politicians to inventors. Black History Month is a chance to learn and reflect on both the history and teachings; to focus on the progress, richness and diversity of African American achievements. Black History Month is celebrated not only in the United States but in five different countries.
Some honorees include Martin Luther King, Jr. who fought for equal rights for Black people during the 1950's and 1960's; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jamison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel into space in 1992 and Barak Obama, who was the first African-American president of the United States.
The observation of Black History Month dates back to 1915, when Carter G. Woodson, who was known as the Father of Black History, created an organization called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements by Black American and other people of African descent.
There are plenty of ways to commemorate the month and the accomplishments that African Americans have made by supporting Black-owned businesses by donating to charities supporting antiracism efforts and watching educational documentaries, learning about all the achievements that have been made.