The month of February is a time to honor the achievements of Black Americans in U.S. history. Since its first observance in 1970 at Kent State University, Black History Month (also known as African American History Month) has evolved into a country-wide celebration.

Did you know:

• Along with being a powerful anti-slavery organizer, James McCune Smith was the first Black American to achieve a Medical Degree in 1837.
• President Gerald Ford, the first president to recognize Black History Month in 1976, urged us all to “seize the opportunity” to honor Black accomplishments in every area of endeavor throughout our history.
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, was signed into law during Black History Month.
• Notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey and most recently Barack Obama are often highlighted during Black History Month for their significant roles in shaping history.