More than half the country has taken legislative action against Critical Race Theory, a “cross-disciplinary intellectual and social movement of civil-rights scholars and activists who seek to examine the intersection of race and law in the United States and to challenge mainstream American liberal approaches to racial justice.”

According to legislation, some teachers are being limited in how they are allowed to approach the topics of racism, slavery, and segregation.

African-Americans play a crucial role in the foundation of the history of the United States. After years of unintentionally evading recognition, they are finally stepping into the light with a month dedicated to them.

With only a week left of the 46th official Black History Month, we must call to attention the history of the month-long event to shine a light on the future.

When Carter G. Woodson, the cofounder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, noticed the severe lack of information of African-American accomplishments, he took action. Originally beginning in 1915 as a week, Black History Month has grown into an annual holiday. In 1976, President Gerald Ford was the first to recognize the event as a month-long celebration of Black History.

The theme for the 2022 month is “Black Health and Wellness.” This goes beyond just the accomplishments of easily recognized African-Americans, like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., to focus on medical practitioners, midwives, birth workers, etc. “The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”

Black history is American history under a muffler. In order to bring the necessary attention to it, the annual months that recognize their achievements are vital. Students, teachers, and people everywhere are never too old or too young to learn about Black history.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” And Black History Month is but one step towards following his advice.