All over the U.S., as well as in many other countries in the African Diaspora, February is traditionally celebrated as Black History Month, which can be used by anyone as an opportunity to learn more about the accomplishments of African-Americans in U.S. history.

Initiated in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week,” the Black History Month is usually packed with various events focusing on the impact made by African-Americans on U.S. history.

For a group of sixty-five children from the UW-Eau Claire Children's Center, Black History Month was indeed the perfect opportunity to learn more as they sang songs, listened to stories and received treats as part of the African-American Read-In last Tuesday in McIntyre Library.

The kids, ages three to five, were able to take home a book after the event and had their choice between “Shades of Black: A Celebration of our Children,” and “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin.” McIntyre Library, the College of Education and Human Services, the Center for Excellence and Learning (CETL) and the Memorial High School Teen Literacy Initiative sponsored the event.

”Typically curriculums don't include this,” said Christine Webster, program associate for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “The sooner we can bring it to the attention of schools and teachers the better … including black history, Native American, women's history … any group that is typically not represented in American society.”

While many have long argued that African-American history should be incorporated into year-round education, the richest source of information on the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in the U.S. in the fields of medicine, law, science and history as well as Black inventors and explorers remain the various events organized especially during Black History month.

On February 16, the Tessie Cleveland Committee is set to host the 2nd annual Black History Month Forum “Being Culturally Conscious: Serving the Needs of the African-American Community.” Some of the guest speakers include John Oliver, director of the social work department, Malcom Dickson from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Lisa Leon from the All of Us or None organization, and Cheria Young, youth services manager of the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California.

The participants will be discussing about the ways black people in the U.S. are being influenced by the state’s mental health, criminal justice and health systems.

Adding even more meaning to the Black History Month, is the election of President Barack Obama, which represents the latest chapter of African-American achievements.

Obama released an official proclamation on 2 February lauding “National African American History Month” and calling upon “public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of African American history.”