Why Black History Should Be Celebrated Beyond February

For 28 (sometimes 29) days each year, Black history gets the spotlight. Schools, businesses, and social media pages highlight Black inventors, leaders, and movements. But once March 1st hits? The conversation fades.

The truth is, Black history is American history—and it shouldn’t be confined to just one month.

From science and politics to music and sports, Black people have shaped every aspect of American life. Recognizing this history year-round isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about understanding the present and shaping the future.

How Black History Month Began

📚 In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week to ensure that Black achievements were recognized.

📚 In 1976, it expanded into Black History Month, officially recognized by the U.S. government.

📚 The goal? To correct the erasure of Black contributions in history books and education.

But Black history didn’t start with slavery—and it doesn’t end with the Civil Rights Movement.

Black Contributions Are Everywhere

💡 Technology & Innovation – From Garrett Morgan’s traffic light to Dr. Shirley Jackson’s work in telecommunications, Black inventors have revolutionized daily life.

🎶 Music & Pop Culture – Jazz, rock, hip-hop, and R&B all have Black roots—yet Black artists have often been overlooked or stolen from.

⚖️ Politics & Civil Rights – Black leaders like Shirley Chisholm, Thurgood Marshall, and Stacey Abrams continue to push for justice and representation.

🏆 Sports & Athletics – From Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier to Serena Williams dominating tennis, Black athletes redefine excellence.

These contributions don’t just matter in February—they matter every day.

Why Black History Should Be Taught Year-Round

Too often, Black history is:

🚨 Reduced to a few figures like MLK and Rosa Parks.

🚨 Taught only in the context of oppression, not achievement.

🚨 Ignored in textbooks, leaving students unaware of Black excellence.

But Black history is world history. It includes:

🌍 Pre-colonial African civilizations, like Mali, Ghana, and Kush.

📖 The global impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

🏛️ The overlooked roles of Black people in shaping America’s economy, culture, and laws.

Without this full picture, history is incomplete.

Keeping the Momentum Beyond February

Here’s how we can keep Black history alive year-round:

📚 Support Black authors & historians – Read books by Ibram X. Kendi, Angela Davis, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

🖤 Amplify Black voices & businesses – Follow, support, and invest in Black creators and entrepreneurs.🏛️ Visit Black history museums & landmarks – Learn firsthand at places like the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

📢 Push for inclusive education – Advocate for schools to teach Black history beyond slavery and the Civil Rights Movement.

Black History Is More Than a Month—It’s a Movement

Celebrating Black history shouldn’t be a temporary trend—it should be an ongoing commitment to truth, education, and justice.

Because Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about shaping a better future.

💬 Let’s Talk:

How do you think we can celebrate and uplift Black history beyond February? Drop your thoughts in the comments!