February is Black History Month—an annual celebration of African-Americans’ achievements. This month also is a time for recognizing the crucial role Blacks played, and continue to play, in U.S. history.

Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” which was the brainchild of the Harvard-trained Carter G. Woodson—a renowned historian who in 1915 received indispensable help from other notable African-Americans to establish the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by African-Americans and other peoples of African descent.

Every U.S. president since 1976 officially has designated the month of February as Black History Month. Furthermore, in other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, a month to celebrate black history also has been established.

Black Woman

Your skin’s as light as white, brown, or darker than blue
You wear cornrows, afros, the straight and curly look, too.
Your Black beauty’s a mystery—a wonder to behold
Your queenly gate—that soulful stride—says ‘I can’t be sold.’

Though shadows of darkness have burdened your life,
Whether by misery’s battles or modern-day strife,
You continue chanting: A change is going to come,
While strategizing ways you can get that job done.

Praise goes to the Black woman for her intestinal fortitude
An unwavering perseverance that endures forced servitude.
Honor goes to her too whose Black pride took a backseat
To her bitter, insensitive foes now under her dusk-colored feet.

– composed by Nadine Drayton-Keen in the 1980s

HAPPY

Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. ~ Romans 12:15-16, AMP