February may be designated Black History Month, but the celebrations and events should be something that every American should take part in.

Black History Month is something that is about our tradition and heritage as Americans, and taking part in some of these events and celebrations hosted by a variety of groups and organizations are something we can all share.

The goal is to educate and shine a light on those black men and women who have left an indelible mark and worked to bring our nation together.

This years celebrations are no different, and to think that they are only for black Americans is simply not the case. We encourage all who can do so to attend, visit or take part in a celebration sometime during the month of February.

Some of the locations that will host events this year include local universities and churches just to name a couple.

Black History Month began as a weeklong celebration, started in 1926 by historian and activist Carter G. Woodson, but the recognition was expanded to an entire month in 1976 to mark the nation’s bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

And each February is a time we can honor the influences those men and women had in being a fundamental part of helping shape our country.

However, while the second month of each year is designated, those contributions should be celebrated all year long.