In the United States and Canada, Black History Month is observed in February, but Europe celebrates it in October. The yearly observance is also known as African-American History Month. One easy way to comprehend the history is through examples, so here are a few iconic people, but, sadly, not all of them, that contributed to Black History. 

It is important to recognize that Black history does not begin in America as slaves. For example, Mansa Musa, the tenth Mansa of the Mali Empire, brought the empire to an all time economic high in the early 1300s. He took his historic Hajj and, following his sojourn, completely changed the Mali empire. Musa was so wealthy that he just handed out gold.  

An escapee herself, the exemplary Harriet Tubman rescued slaves from their tormentous owners into freedom. Most people know that fact about her, but what most do not know is that Tubman never lost a person she was traveling with. She had a perfect record.

While Rosa Parks quintessential “no” is still just as significant, she was not the first African American woman to deny a white person their seat. Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl, refused to give up her seat to a middle aged woman on a crowded and segregated bus.

Reaching towards more recent times, Barack Obama was inaugurated in January of 2009. He was the first African American president of the United States. He was elected for a second term before he left the office in 2016, where he handed  off the presidency to Donald Trump. Former-president Obama helped restore economic security to African American families according to the Community Voice. 

Last year, George Floyd’s story blew up on social media sparking the interest of many in the Black Lives Matter Movement. This led to a number of protests. According to USA Today, 93 percent of roughly 7,750 protests did not engage in destructive activity, which made them peaceful.  This shows how the United States and other places around the world are still unraveling the deeply rooted racism found in many elements today, and Black History Month is a chance to recognize that. 

No matter your ethnicity, you can celebrate and honor Black History Month! For example, Target has released a line called “Black Beyond Measure.” When you shop this line, for a limited time only, you are shopping for an assortment inspired by Black creators to honor this moment in time. You can buy apparel, home supplies, gifts, beauty products, music, movies, food, books and plays. PopSockets also released a line. Other ways in which you can celebrate Black history this month is by donating to a black charity, visiting a Civil Rights Movement, appreciating Black music or following Black creators on social media. Even the littlest contributions can help respect and admire Black History Month this February!