February is considered a month of love, seeing as we recently just celebrated Valentine’s Day. But what’s not discussed enough about this month is Black History Month – to some, this month may not mean much, but in reality it should.

Black History Month is used to celebrate the success and achievements of African Americans. It began as “Negro History Week,” which was created by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. He created this because many textbooks and historical views downplayed and ignored the contributions of black people.

Out of all months, what made them choose February? February happens to be the birth month of two figures that influenced black history: President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both abolitionists.

After the death of these two, Woodson wanted to honor their legacy and contributions to African American liberations and civil rights on their birthdays. He later expanded this celebration to not just of these two individuals, but to the history and achievements of African Americans overall.

Fast forward years later, and February became Black History Month. Woodson’s goal was to prove to white America that blacks played a crucial role in the creation of the U.S., and therefore should be treated equally as citizens. 

“Black History Month represents the accomplishments we as a black community share with our ancestors who went through trying times and came out on top,” said DePaul student Christian Gordon.

We have come a long way since our ancestors who experienced slavery, racial inequality, oppression and discrimination, but we still have work to do. African Americans are creators, leaders, scientists, musicians, educators and more. We can’t be confined in a box, like society tries to do.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is more than just Barack Obama’s wife. She is a mother, educator, businesswoman, author, community leader and advocate for black and brown people. We have impacted today’s society in several ways. We’ve created unique sayings and media challenges, like the Renegade Challenge that has become popular all over the world.

Not to mention our trendsetting techniques that have benefitted pop culture and millennial culture today. We’ve watched people bite off of black culture and try to “recreate” or take credit for it. For instance, the NBA invited white TikTokers to perform the renegade dance at the 2020 All-Star Game, however, it was created by a 14-year old African American female, Jaliah Harmon. It required the black community to stand together and make this known all over social media to get the NBA’s attention. This resulted in the NBA finally reaching out and giving Jaliah the recognition she deserved. 

Black History Month shall always remain relevant, because it’s presence is important to American society. When you cut out the negative stereotypes that have been put on black people, and view us as imperfect individuals and not by color, just as anyone else, we’re taking a step forward to justice.

Because of our history, and what we stand and fight for, we’ve gifted the world with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Barack Obama. Those who’ve paved the way for people like me to be where I am now.

“As an advocate for Black students here at DePaul, I believe it’s only right that we highlight our essence and history that’s changed our world and how we view it largely,” said DePaul junior Ryan Johnson.

As a black woman, attending a predominantly white institution, Black History Month makes me think about the importance of education. The ability to further my knowledge and others on topics such as this is important. Knowing how to maneuver in a country like America that initially wasn’t for people like me. As well as that, at one point my people weren’t able to receive an education. It makes me work harder, and remind myself that even as a minority, I belong here.

“Black History Month should also be a time that renews the work, dedication and struggle for justice and equality,” said a DePaul religious studies professor Chernoh Sesay. “This historical work and this activism shouldn’t be confined to February of course. February should just help remind us that the struggle for light and truth has been and will be ongoing.”

Woodson’s idea of Black History Month and it’s transformation of change is still pertinent today.

“The chains of slavery are gone—but we are all not yet free.” – Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.

According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, there are things all Americans face today that black history can help address. The challenge of learning how to move forward. We haven’t forgotten our past, but we have accepted it, and turned it into a success story. We survived, and use our history as a guide to help us strive towards greatness.

In a country like America, we are a melting pot containing different cultures and we should appreciate every single one of them, because they’ve all helped shape America into what it is today.

CORRECTION (Feb. 24, 2020): This story has been updated to correct previous spelling errors of the words “experienced” and “reaching”. Corrections were also made to change the word “equality” to “inequality”.