Black History Reminders. Did you have to be reminded? I didn’t. Why? Because I am black and I’m proud. Today, many are afraid, complacent, or simply don’t care. History looks at where we have been, who were the protagonists or participants, during a given time and place. It happens in the past and erasure cannot be allowed. Therefore, every day is Black history. This Black history month allows people to promote opportunities to learn about our varied experiences, cultures, ethnic backgrounds that contributed to the landscape of American history.
This is a blog and therefore the brief facts are to get you to reflect, research, and answer why you should care. The history of race relations and women’s rights should make us all consider our rights. The 15th amendment gave Blacks the right to vote. We have moved from Negro Week started in 1926, by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson who had a dream when he planned just a weeklong observance of Black history to a month-long commemoration of untold stories that just touch the tip of the iceberg, voices that will keep coming to the forefront. This should never divide people. We used to say we raised our children to tell the truth. The truth is there are people who influenced where we are today in this country.
The history of Black Americans in the U.S. includes enduring slavery, with 10 million enslaved, and eventually achieving significant milestones. Vermont became the first state to ban slavery and grant Black men voting rights on July 2, 1777. Mississippi was the last to ratify abolition in 2013, 148 years after Congress’s initial resolution, due to a clerical error—reflecting broader patterns in the state’s governance.
Since this month marks the 100th anniversary for observing Black History, I invite you to note this year’s theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” and a few facts. President Gerald Ford made the weeklong observance into a month-long recognition, 50 years ago. He cited the message of “courage and perseverance” this brought. The United States, Canada and Germany celebrate Black History Month in February. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Netherlands honor Black History in October.
Why do we acknowledge Martin Luther King’s Birthday or Juneteenth? It is a way to reflect on the past and continuing the work towards the elusive embodiment of equality and justice for all.
We recently watched the Grammy show. Did you know Quincy Jones is the most Grammy-nominated artist in Grammy history. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Jackson, the first Black woman to sit on the high court, has won a Grammy for her book, and will be known for two honors. Thurgood Marshall was the first Black American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, on August 30, 1967.
Black American Nobel Peace Prize Winners have made significant contributions to global peace and social justice often in the face of adversity. Ralph Bunche, 1950 recipient, was a mediator for the Arab Israeli conflict. Martin Luther King Jr. was the youngest recipient in 1964, for his nonviolent struggle for civil rights.
Two other non-American notable recipients were Desmond Tutu in 1984 for his opposition to apartheid in South Africa and Leymah Gbowee, who was a co-recipient in 2011, for her leadership in the women’s peace movement in Liberia. This led to ending the Second Liberian Civil War.
It is a worldwide phenomenon that sports and music often brings us together. If you have been watching Winter Olympics 2026, you can commemorate the Black athletes who are being captured as historical milestones.
Erin Jackson, speed skater, was the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold medal in 2022. She was this year’s Flag Bearer for the opening ceremony. Laila Edwards is the first black female ice hockey player. There are others who elevate Team USA’s winter sports. Many people know about Blacks in sports and our musical contributions to this nation and the world but there is so much more.
Black military accomplishments include defending this country, putting oneself in harm’s way, and enduring attacks simply because of the color of their skin. But we owe a great debt to their leadership because of their resilience to withstand what others never had to. General Benjamin Davis Sr. is the first Black American to attain the rank of General. He did so in 1940 during World War II. Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1983. She had two firsts: The first African American female General and the first black Chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps.
Notable Black four-star generals are Military Legends General Roscoe Robinson Jr, US Army, 1982. General Colin Powell, was the First Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1989.General Charles Brown Jr. The first Black American to lead a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, becoming the Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 2020. General Michael Langley: Promoted to four-star general in 2022, is the first Black four-star general in the Marine Corps.
I listened to a podcast, If It Weren’t For Us, which featured Bryan Stevenson, who is the founder of The Equal Justice Initiative. I agree with his words, “We need an era of truth and justice. We need truth and repair. We need truth and redemption.” There would have been no wealth gap if slave descendants had not been terrorized and left land they owned to start all over again. History captures that being denied many benefits has caused pain and suffering as well as lack of upper mobility. Ultimately we want opportunities not handouts. Many corporations had signed on to advocate for rights that would move very qualified, educated, talented people towards equity and perhaps equality. That has changed. The greatest motivator and pursuit in this country is the power of wealth.
This year’s Black History Month carries particular significance. At a time when there are growing efforts to restrict or minimize African American history in public spaces, the call to preserve and share accurate, inclusive history is more important than ever. Black history is not separate from American history—it is essential to it. Honoring the full truth of our past ensures that future generations understand not only the struggles endured, but also the resilience, contributions, leadership, and faith that have shaped our nation.
Today “black excellence” is still questioned. Has anyone noticed Blacks just keep showing up? That is what must keep happening. Many Black Award shows are about excellence and the celebration of possibility. Whether it is the arts, elite athleticism, social justice, education, or representation from every walk of life, this history cannot be ignored or buried. Leaning into one’s heritage enriches understanding, motivates others to communicate their stories and reminds us we can embrace others when we engage each other. President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Kamala Harris are icons.
I had to make an update after I wrote this blog to remember another icon, Civil Rights Leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died on Tuesday, February 17th. Note I didn’t say a perfect man or saint, but he believed in PUSH, People United to Save Humanity. He started this organization and when associated with Rainbow PUSH, he spoke to the representation of all people. Two of his mantras resonate today; “I am Somebody” and “Keep Hope Alive”. We do not all espouse that more work must be done, to capture the moral code of all being created equally by God. If we were to do so, we would embrace the vision shared by him and Martin Luther King: that America could improve only through cooperation and interdependence.
This has been Black History “light”. Learning something about Black History is great but taking actions is even better. Many work to prevent funding cuts to cultural heritage sites, public media, children’s learning centers, and other educational institutions. Support what builds up people and not tears them down, with money or time. Remembering truthfully is an act of justice, education, and hope.
President Ford called on citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments” of Black Americans. What can you do? Be curious. Start your own archival storage or library for children and young adults. Learn about the gifts of rich black American heritage origins and what impacts are left on society, including inventions we still use every day. Choose where you support inclusion and not exclusion. I borrow this phrase, Be the bridge!, from a person I met last year who was part of this organization. You can find out more about then their website: Be The Bridge.
Cecelia Benford, Author Five Generations, One Nation, Under God.
Leadership Coaching Mentoring Connections 