It’s not limited to February. It never stops.
The older I get, the more Black History Month and Black history in general means to me. The feeling of seeing someone who looks like me succeed while knowing the fight our ancestors and many historical figures fought is indescribable.
Every time I think of Black history, I think back to watching the 2008 inauguration in my eighth grade class. I sat in my desk in awe seeing the Obamas enter the White House.
It impacted me to see history happen with my own eyes. I also knew there were no boundaries to what I could do.
Black doctors, lawyers, students, athletes, actors, writers, politicians, entrepreneurs and more continue to go beyond what many think is possible. This makes the journey easier for those of us following in their footsteps.
Maya Angelou once said, “I come as one, but stand as ten thousand.”
This reminds me that I can stand tall in whatever I do because of those who marched, protested and endured unspeakable conditions to ensure that I can take up space in the endeavors I choose.
I’ve heard Oprah Winfrey quote Maya Angelou’s words in speeches and interviews, and I love her explanation of it at the 2005 NAACP Image Awards. Oprah said, “Because they were the seed, I get to be the fruit.”
Caleb Britt 
Thank you for sharing. Every day as I interact with the world around, I am in awe of those who have paved the way for me. If it was not for the many who have came before me, I would not be were I am today. For those who will follow, I will continue to strap my boots high to make their lives easier.
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I would like this comment a thousand times if I could. This is so beautifully worded, and I couldn’t agree more.
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