Black History Month is here! February is a time to celebrate the accomplishments that have been made by African Americans throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the progress that has been made and the progress that still needs to be made as we look towards the future. President Obama, in his 2016 Proclamation of National African American History Month, states, “Our responsibility as citizens is to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedoms for all people. As we mark the 40th year of National African American History Month, let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans, and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Black History Month originally began as Negro History Week, when in 1926 the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) decided to dedicate this time to the promotion of African American accomplishments. Founded by Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland, the ASNLH chose this week because it coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Today known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this organization also curates the theme for every annual Black History Month celebration. This year the theme is: Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.