Black History Month

“Early in life, I somehow got the feeling that I could succeed even if I were a member of a minority group… I knew that I would have to work hard and never give up. I would have to take many affronts, but if I kept my personal integrity, nothing could defeat me.” — Cecil E. Newman In 1926, Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in an effort to recognize African Americans in a history often void of their accomplishments. Surprisingly, this lack of recognition of African Americans and their contributions to society exists even now, almost a century after Woodson’s establishment of Negro History Week, now Black History Month. Woodson recognized that if Blacks are unaware of their victories, they are more susceptible to give in to defeat under the weight of oppression. Our stories of triumph serve as a roadmap to future successes. We hope you enjoy the stories of triumph offered in our Black History Month special section and in each and every week of the MSR.