Over the last several years, I have written about Black History Month and Black Excellence. In 2021, I even put together a 30-day Hoosier Black Excellence Series for Keep Indiana Learning. Despite BHM moving from a week to a month (though the shortest month of the year), there are still people who don’t understand the purpose and how this month benefits everyone.

For a moment, let’s not talk about BHM. Let’s look at Hispanic Heritage Month which takes place from September 15 to October 15. When I learned about various Hispanic people, I feel inspired even though I am not Hispanic. I can find kernels of truth that I can relate to my life. I am also reminded of how diversity is beautiful; we all have stories to tell.

Now, let’s shift our focus back to BHM. I would hope that people who are not Black are just as inspired as people who are Black. I would hope that people learn that Black people’s story did not begin with slavery, and it is more than the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King, and Rosa Parks sitting in the back of the bus.

Black History Month is a time of celebration. It is a time of joy. It is a reminder of the Black excellence that makes this world go round.

For example, let’s talk about Clarice Phelps, a nuclear chemist. Yesterday, February 7, was Periodic Table Day. If you have been in a science classroom, you have seen this table with the elements listed. Phelps was the first Black woman who helped discover a new element. Despite feeling isolated during her career, she persevered and made history.

Perseverance is a trait everyone can understand.

One day, I hope there are no more Black firsts. I hope that people, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, income, or any other factor, are achieving whatever they desire.

I also hope that Black history is seen as American history and that it is so enmeshed that Black History Month becomes redundant. Since that is not the case, we need Black History Month, and we need people to get better at embedding Black History 365 days a year.