Black History Month is a time to honor the progress our ancestors fought tirelessly to achieve and the legacy we are entrusted to continue. Their courage and sacrifices paved the way for opportunities we benefit from today. However, the work is far from finished. With persistent challenges still impacting our communities, we are responsible for taking action, striving for change, and advancing the fight for equality. In the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The Journey to Black History Month
It all started back in 1915, 50 years after slavery was abolished, when historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Blacks established “Negro History Week.” That week eventually grew into what we now celebrate every February as Black History Month. And why February? It was chosen because it aligns with the birthdays of two key abolitionists, President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Keeping Our Culture Alive Starts with Us
Loving our culture and rich history means we respect it and deeply desire to preserve it for future generations. The key is to be intentional in our actions.
Think about where you spend your money and who you support. Choosing Black-owned businesses uplifts our community, contributing to its lasting economic strength. You can also organize or participate in local events, discussions, or educational programs to keep conversations and awareness alive. Consider volunteering or making a financial contribution (after doing your research) to organizations that promote cultural education.
Our young people are hungry for knowledge. Share your story by speaking at an HBCU or a local school. Support literacy programs in your area, and introduce students to books written by Black authors. Also, ensure you purchase these books for your children.
Here are some other creative ways to celebrate and preserve our culture:
Think beyond Disney. Take your family to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
When injustices affecting our community make headlines, use those moments to have thoughtful, age-appropriate discussions about our history and present-day struggles with your kids or teens.
Host regular movie nights at home or in your church, featuring films by Black filmmakers.
Start a family or friends’ game night with card and board games made by Black-owned brands. Check out options on sites like PlayBlackWallStreet.com or Sacrd.co.
Launch a book club focused on works by Black authors. Invite non-Black friends too—sharing our stories is a meaningful way to help them understand why our culture matters so deeply to us.
Dedicate time to learning about influential figures in Black history that you may not have heard of before.
Bring our culture into your workplace. Consider starting a regular meetup for African American employees to support, uplift, and discuss our culture. Use your position to foster a stronger, more inclusive environment that benefits not just us, but the entire company.
These ideas aren’t just for February—incorporate them into your routine year-round.
The Fight Isn’t Over
We can’t get comfortable, as even today, our communities continue to grapple with serious attacks against our people, like police brutality, the erasure of Black history in schools, and harmful political agendas.
George Floyd’s murder in 2020 at the hands of Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, sparked the largest racial justice protests in the U.S. since the Civil Rights Movement. However, the problem of law enforcement’s abuse of power continues to impact Black lives around the country. In 2023, Tyre Nichols, a Black man, died after being brutally beaten by five Black police officers in Memphis. In 2024, six former Mississippi officers were sentenced for torturing and abusing two Black men. While some perpetrators are being held accountable, policing as a whole still needs major reform. Recent data shows that Black Americans continue to experience fatal police shootings at significantly higher rates than any other group.
On top of that, Black history is under attack in schools across the country. Since 2021, at least 18 states have banned or restricted teaching about race and gender. Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, made headlines for stopping public schools from participating in a pilot of the College Board’s AP African American Studies course. Texas, meanwhile, has shifted how it teaches U.S. history. The state passed legislation in 2021 making it illegal for schools to teach slavery and racism as part of the “true founding” of the country. Now, the law prompts Texas schools to teach children that slavery and racism are “deviations from, betrayals of, or failures to live up to the authentic founding principles of the United States, which include liberty and equality.” This is why it’s so important for us to make sure our children—and all children—know the truth about Black history, no matter what’s happening in classrooms.
And politically, the Texas House recently banned minority-party members from leading committees, sidelining diverse voices in leadership. On the federal level, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are in jeopardy after President Trump’s executive order to halt them. Opponents of DEI claim it discriminates against white Americans, but supporters argue that DEI initiatives have been unfairly politicized and misunderstood. The Trump administration’s decision is likely to spark legal battles.
This month, we celebrate Black excellence—honoring our past, appreciating the present, and building a stronger future. Ongoing challenges in policing, education, and politics highlight the urgent need for unity and actionable progress. Let’s carry this energy beyond February and continue protecting and uplifting our culture all year long. Happy Black History Month! Much love! Stay blessed!
Source(s): Governing.com, Newyorker.com, History.com, ASALH.org, PBS, United States Department of Justice, CBS News, CNN, Statista, Education Week®, Texas Tribune, FOX 4 News
About the Author
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press.
