February is a remembrance of one of the most vibrant periods in American history, and it is not the profusion of bright pink and red hearts seen on Valentine’s Days past. This month is Black History Month, a celebration of African Americans’ rich history as well as their many achievements. Important dates in Black History Month include Rosa Park’s birthday, the day the 13^th Amendment was approved by Congress and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, all significant landmarks in African American history. 

“I like Rosa Parks because even though she wasn’t the first advocate for equality, she stood out and made a difference,” junior Tiara Hatten said.

Black History Month originated in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in order to draw attention to African Americans’ numerous contributions. Fifty years later, in 1986, Congress passed a law designating February as Black History Month. This year’s theme, “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington,” commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington.

“The person I really admire is Maya Angelou,” junior Chanel Green said. “She knows how to talk to people in a refreshing way and has brought a lot of awareness to African American culture.”

Around the country, people, places and businesses continue to honor African American culture. Nike releases a collection of items every February; this year Nike special edition LeBron X shoes will be included in the set. Three new movies in recognition of Black History Month will premiere on Lifetime, all featuring prominent African American actors. The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum has a large display of wax figures of important African Americans in history, and though the museum is located in Baltimore, it is planning a traveling exhibit with one of the stops being in Dallas. However one recognizes Black History Month, a person can see how far African Americans have come.

“It’s great that we have a month celebrating the achievements of African Americans,” senior Hassan Khan said.