This February, we honor 100 years of Black History Month in the United States. It is a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, strength and creativity of Black Americans, past and present. Their leadership and experiences continue to shape our communities and our country.
Black History Month began in 1926 as Negro History Week, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson. He believed that understanding Black history is essential to understanding American history. He also understood that history is not just something we look back on, it continues to influence where we are today and where we are headed.
As we celebrate Black excellence and resilience, we are also reminded of the ongoing challenges many Black and Brown communities still face. Honoring history means more than remembering the past; it calls us to act with intention. It asks us to reflect our shared values of equity, justice and dignity in the work we do every day.
We remember leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer, W.E.B. Du Bois and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose courage helped move our nation forward. Their impact lives on through the everyday actions of people who advocate for change, care for one another and work toward a more just future.
Honoring our ancestors means celebrating what they achieved while acknowledging the barriers they faced and overcame. Their stories remind us of the power of perseverance, community and hope.
This Black History Month, as we share stories that are central to American history, we also lift up the continued efforts to build communities where everyone can live with safety, dignity and opportunity.