As we head into the month of February it’s also known as Black History Month. Throughout school we often study the trauma of our history but there is always more to our stories than our trauma and that is the case with the story of Black America. Black History Month is a time to celebrate all that Black America brings to America with their art, their athleticism, their inventions, their voice, and so much more. There are dozens of stories of Black voices who have shaped and contributed to our history.

We just celebrated Martin Luther King Day who is often quoted whether it’s Black History Month or a moment for change. His voice was a voice that spoke for those who couldn’t. He gave a voice to those who didn’t have one. He helped those who needed it. His words were strong back when he spoke them but they are even stronger now.

His voice, even in death, stays strong and his memory continues to shape our future and our own history. As he led the Civil Rights movement he lead our once lost and dark society back to the light with his words. We’re in need of those words now more than ever…those words that are now, years later able to help us with all the injustice and oppression black people are experiencing. He set us an example of how peaceful protests really do create change and how change starts within us. We are the key to unlocking a door full of equality within all people.

In modern America, we have the newly nationally recognized Amanda Gorman, who became the youngest Inaugural poet in U.S. history with her poem “The Hill We Climb”. We also have leaders like Stacey Abrahams, the woman who help flipped Georgia and encourage young voters. Both of these amazing women hold a very strong contribution to not only the black community but for everyone as well. Stacey Abrahams wanted to see a change so what did she do? She became the change, helping young black kids and others, encouraging them to vote, encouraging them to let their voices be heard.

Amanda ‘s poems highlight that America isn’t perfect. We hide things, like history, so that we may look like this perfect “united” United States, but we really aren’t. She states that the only way that we can become what we envision is to become better by uniting, talking to each other, learning how we do treat each other differently. No matter what side of the current political debate people fell on, everyone seemed to fall in love with her and her message of a united future, showing that there is power for good in our voices.

The Black community has made major contributions to the world. It given us different things such as music, food, film, art, and so many other wonderful things. Without these contributions the world wouldn’t be what it is today. They have not only made the contributions with music and art but have also led the way in the fight against things like racism and social injustice. With people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. showing the world the right way to equality and acceptance they have showed the world how to not only accept the black community but all other communities, races, nationalities, and cultures.

Look for more features later this month that celebrate Black Americans and what they’ve contributed to the American story.