The advent of my engagement with Black History Month transports me to my elementary school days in northern Louisiana, where the foundation of creating history was established for me. There were history lessons full of people, places, inventions, and actions they had taken to make the world around them a better place. It was, for me, a retrospective view of the accomplishments of so many people and their impact on the world as we know it. I still hold to the feeling of knowing that Black Excellence came into being, even during what we now call historically turbulent times. As a young person, I found myself excited by the sense of pride in knowing that everyday things were invented and founded by someone of African descent.

Today, my worldview has expanded beyond the radius of my city, state, and the publication date of my textbook. For me, Black History Month is not simply twenty-eight days in the shortest month of the year. It is twenty-eight days filled with opportunities to celebrate all that was in the heart of the struggle, to engage all that is in the season of change, and to make room for all that is not yet and exists only on the whisper of our hopes and dreams.

I celebrate Black History Month—without limits—through the excitement of story, memory, song, dance, food, family, music, poetry, art, wisdom, and will. If I had to sum it all up, I plan to step into Black History Month this year by knowing that I am, and we are, so much more than a finite experience or thought. We are vibrant, relevant, and resilient people. I give myself to the unfolding expression of my Truth that shows up in this world in the body and spirit of an African American Woman. What we know of ourselves makes room for others to know the same within themselves.

From then till now, I have been shaped by the essence, impact, rhythm, and aroma of Black History Month. I hope you will join me by taking a look back and honoring those who paved the way. Let’s also take a look around and support those who are committing to raising a new standard of the meaning of Black History Month, 365 days a year.