As we enter the month of February, let’s remember that it is Black History Month. A time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, referred to as the Father of Black History, chose the second week in February initially as “Negro History Week” to include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (the president who formally abolished slavery) and Frederick Douglass (abolitionist who escaped slavery). Dr. Woodson was among the first black scholars to receive a doctoral degree. After getting his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University, he joined the faculty at Howard University as a professor and historian.

One example of a contemporary person we honor is Maya Angelou. She was a poet and civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X and was the first Black woman to be commemorated on US quarters. She wrote books of poetry and essays and autobiographies; and here is a wonderful quote from her:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Throughout JABA, we will be celebrating Black History Month at our centers, in our newsletter, on social media, and in the local media. Join us in embracing our second value of Inclusion, through learning more about important people who made a difference in our community, like Cecelia Epps, Mary Williams, and those who remember the history of the Yancey School in Esmont. They exhibited resilience to accomplish all that they did and make the impact they did.

Part of resilience is a mindset, a belief, a worldview that sees possibilities! May you find this resilience for yourself.

Marta Keane, JABA CEO