February has been Black History Month since 1976. There have been many recent statements in the media and on social media asking why Black History Month exists and if it’s still needed in this “post-racial” society.

This month is an opportunity to tell the whole story about the Black experience

History classes are mostly centered on Eurocentric contributions in America and in Europe with limited focus on people of color across the spectrum; that’s just the reality of our educational system. Black history in textbooks only covers bits of slavery, civil rights, and that’s it. If you want to learn about slavery, civil rights, Black history before slavery, the history of the African diaspora, Black leaders other than Dr. Martin Luther King, and the many contributions of Black people around the world in totality, elective courses in college provide that depth of knowledge.

Black children especially grow up not learning enough about their own history and this shouldn’t be acceptable for any group. Black History Month is a necessary spotlight on the culture and how it has impacted our society; dispelling any misconceptions that are out there about Black people, history, and culture.

In order to understand the world, we have to be informed through education

Besides Black History Month, there are months dedicated to other heritage groups i.e. Native American, Hispanic, Asian, and so on and there’s even Women’s History Month. Regardless of this, we should have curricula that teaches diverse history all year long. It’s significant for Black people to learn about our heritage and the accomplishments of those who came before us. It also benefits our society because people don’t need to be part of a specific group to learn the history of that group.

In fact, the more we learn about others, we can let go of our preconceived notions and prejudices.  For example, a person can’t accurately speak on or grasp any topic within the Black community in America or abroad if they don’t know our history and who we are as people.

Black history is pertinent to current social conversations

With all the controversy in the media about the #BlackLivesMatter movement, #OscarsSoWhite, prominent Black artists like Beyoncé (at the Super Bowl) and Kendrick Lamar (at the Grammys) referencing Black culture themes in their performances, and actress Stacey Dash’s comments about not needing Black history; the information circulated during Black History Month gives the knowledge to better engage in discussions about these topics.

Talking about Black people and culture is not an attempt to devalue other people and cultures; it’s about cultural representation. Until our educational system and society are truly invested in the equality of history, we will need different months to highlight all the diversity that our society has always marginalized.