By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

February brings with it Black History Month, a time set aside to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans whose contributions have shaped our nation in ways both visible and unseen. While it began as “Negro History Week” in the 1920s, thanks to historian Carter G. Woodson, it has grown into
a monthlong celebration that invites all of us to pause, reflect, and learn.

For communities like ours, where many individuals may not have grown up hearing these stories firsthand, Black History Month offers a chance to broaden our perspective and appreciate the creativity and resilience that enriches American life. It’s not about guilt or division, it’s about connection, curiosity, and gratitude.

Take Garrett Morgan, for instance. His invention of the three light traffic signal literally keeps us safe every day. Dr. Patricia Bath’s groundbreaking work in ophthalmology gave the world a device to treat cataracts, restoring sight to millions. George Washington Carver, often remembered for peanuts, actually
revolutionized agriculture by finding hundreds of new uses for crops, helping farmers thrive.

Lewis Latimer, working alongside Edison and Bell, improved the filament in light bulbs, making electric lighting practical for homes across the country. And Madam C.J. Walker, a visionary entrepreneur, created hair care products for Black women and became one of America’s first female self-made millionaires. These stories remind us that innovation knows no boundaries of race or background—it springs from talent, vision, and determination.

So why highlight these names in our community newsletter? Because Black History Month isn’t just about remembering the past, it’s about recognizing how deeply interconnected our lives are. Every time we stop safely at a traffic light, flip on a lamp, or hear of a woman breaking barriers in business, we’re touching
legacies that began in African American hands.

This February, let’s approach Black History Month with openness and curiosity. Read a story, share a name, or simply pause to appreciate the everyday gifts we’ve inherited. In doing so, we honor not only Black history, but American history and we strengthen the bonds of community that make life richer for
us all.