During February, many people pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who have paved the way for present generations and those who have overcome adversity to develop modern black culture. In an interview with Dean Chase, he explained what black history month means to him by expressing that “it is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty, excellence, and the resilience and the complexity of black people across the diaspora, and it is also everybody’s history and it is important for all people because it gives them the opportunity to learn”.

Dean Chase also explained the beginning of Black History Month by explaining that it began as Black History Week in 1926 and was proposed by Dr. Carter G Woodson, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Dr. Woodson created such a week to educate more people because he noticed a gap in the education of black history. During a sit-down conversation with Tony Greenwood, the Student Success Coach, he voiced his opinion on what black history month means to him by stating “It is a chance to put a spotlight on all the achievements our people have accomplished and all the hardships they had to go through.”

In a separate interview with the president of the Black Student Union, Andrew Payne stated, “I try to follow the footsteps of all the great leaders that have come before me, and also I try to educate more people about the excellence this month has”. Payne also gave a shoutout to his grandparents for teaching him about black culture and history at a young age. As February ends, set aside time to ask yourself what does Black History Month mean to you?