Since 1986, February has been known as Black History Month. 28 days being spent with acceptance and education. What is black history month? Why is it so important, why should I celebrate, and how can I show support?

Black history month is a national honoring of African Americans and recognition of their accomplishments and particular role in history. Now, why is this so important? African Americas have been discriminated against since the early 1600’s. When the first group of slaves was imported from Africa a long, depressing, diminishing, and cruel journey would follow every person of color.

With events from the murder of Emmett Till, a little black boy who in 1955 was unrightfully lynched by a group of white men for allegedly whistling at a another group of white woman to George Floyd a father, brother, and son who wrongfully lost his life due to police brutality in 2020. The endless cycle of mistreatment of African Americans has not stopped even with dozens of laws and passages banning the abusive behavior.

The celebration and appreciation of African Americas throughout February is crucial, it shows black creators, business owners, and community members that they belong.

Black history month was created to show hope, impact, the beauty and acknowledgment to the black community. Black history month simply is the celebration of black excellence. As unfortunate as it can be, this is one of the handful of times a year African Americans are publicly supported. The importance of showing support and value towards others during these 28 days and even the rest of the 337 is so simple but yet so major, but how can you do that? This month, shopping at black owned businesses, supporting workers, community members, creators, and showing that you stand with their actions, movements, and achievements.

West High school Freshman, A’tyrion Yarbrough knows that black history month “Is a time for people to show respect for the minorities who fought for our rights as African Americans.”

Senior Lydia Newsome also notes that “Black history month is not only a month to celebrate our history but it is also a month to celebrate the things that the African American community is changing now.”

Newsome continues to express how it feels to contribute to Black History Month. “The feeling of knowing that you’re creating black history is an incredibly proud one to have it lets you know that all of the things that have happened in the past are still being carried over today and you that the fight for a lot of social justice and equality still happens, it makes you incredibly happy to know that you’re making a change whether it be little or small. To me, this month is mostly about taking pride in the African American heritage, and all of the achievements that we have made in the past.”