Black History Month: Stories From Our Students
Black History Month is observed each February to recognize and celebrate the experiences, stories, and lasting contributions of Black individuals and communities throughout history. In the United States, 2026 marks 100 years since the first national observance of Black history – a meaningful milestone honoring a century of achievement, resilience, and impact by Black Americans.
We asked students in our Rising Stars of Black Student Union (TK-6th grade) and Black Student Union (7th-12th grade) clubs what Black History Month means to them – and what they want others to know about their culture, lineage, and identity.
"As an African American, the meaning of Black History Month is so positively intricate. Black History Month is an opportunity to stop, reflect, and appreciate the hard work and prolonged heritage of African Americans in the U.S. and abroad. But it goes beyond just simply reading about and recognizing the hard work of famous figures such as Rosa Parks and Ida B Wells. Black History Month is a prime opportunity for appreciating Black excellence and highlighting those in our own families and individual communities. Ultimately, Black History Month is a beacon of hope for African Americans across the country and abroad to celebrate the positive intricacies of such a diversely gifted people."
“Black History Month, to me, is a sacred observance, a deliberate and reverent pause to commemorate the indomitable resilience, intellectual brilliance, and cultural magnificence that characterize the Black experience. It is an opportunity to venerate the fortitude of my ancestors, whose perseverance amid systemic oppression, disenfranchisement, and erasure laid the groundwork for the liberties and possibilities I now inhabit. Their sacrifices were neither incidental nor abstract; they constitute the very architecture of my present reality. I regard Black History Month as an affirmation of lineage, an acknowledgment that I am the living continuum of generations who embodied courage, ingenuity, and unyielding faith. There is something profoundly humbling about recognizing that I walk in the footsteps of individuals who cultivated joy, artistry, scholarship, and community despite formidable barriers."
"To me, Black History Month is all about highlighting Black resilience and excellence. I want others to know that Black history didn't start or end with slavery and that we have the chance to make Black history right now. There is still a long way to go before we reach true equality in society. What type of world do we want to create for the ones that come after us and what can we do right now to be part of the solution?"
Reflection, Honor, and Celebration
Black History Month is celebrated in many ways – by listening to podcasts, reading books by Black authors, visiting Black history museums, and more – but at its core, this month is about honoring the contributions and enduring legacy of Black leaders, activists, pioneers, and change-makers.
“To me, Black History Month is to celebrate Black history. During February, I read books with my family about Black people who made a change.”
Thank you to our students for courageously sharing your voices and perspectives during this meaningful observance. Your stories and reflections help deepen understanding and strengthen our community.
To explore more information and educational resources, visit History.com.