February is Black History Month, and as an African American, I’m very proud. I am also very excited to celebrate the events and people who stood up for what they believed in and fought for a better life for African Americans. I feel a sense of pride and honor to be able to show both my respect and condolences to those who dared to say enough is enough and worked to put an end to the mistreatment and torture of African Americans. These people include Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. They fought for what they believed in and never gave up, no matter how difficult the situation.

When Black History Month approaches each year, I always think about how different life would have been if it was not for the intrepid people that were determined to bring forth change even if it meant risking their own lives. Some people don’t realize the importance of Black History Month. Maybe it’s because they simply aren’t aware or because they just don’t care.

What people need to realize is that if Rosa Parks didn’t sit in the front of a bus and refuse to move to the back, things might be very different today. Thinking about this helps me to not take life for granted and to be thankful for all the opportunities that are available to me. Therefore, I believe that February is a month that everyone should acknowledge, whether or not they are African American. There are interesting things to learn; things that each and every one of us can relate to in one way or another. February is a month for those who are not aware of the meaning of Black History Month to get to know more about the African American culture and the true meaning of what Black History Month represents.

-Kayla