It is that time of year again. It is Black History Month, in which we celebrate the achievements and contributions of blacks throughout history. This is a very important month to me, as researching black history is my passion. This is due to my parents teaching me to be proud of my culture, and also because my church was the headquarters for one of the most famous slave raids in history. In 1858, abolitionist John Brown used the First Baptist Church, in Chatham, Ontario, to plan the unsuccessful raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia. The raid was intended to free the slaves imprisoned there.

At this time last year, I was very discouraged when I found out that my university had done very little to recognize Black History Month. Well, this year was no different, as the school put on a one-hour presentation on the first day of February...same as last year, and once again, they didn't even advertise it. However, thanks to advice from  farellemoon last year, I decided to take things into my own hands this year. I am bringing black history to my friends and school community, rather than waiting for them to stumble upon it.

I am taking a two-tiered approach. Firstly, every day this month, I have been posting little-known black history facts in my Facebook status, so as to reach as many friends as possible. Secondly, in terms of the unitversity, I am planning to draw posters of black historical figures whose achievements correspond with on of the faculties on campus. The posters will hang in the related faculty building. For example, the Nelson Mandela poster would hang in the Political Science building, Shirley Chisholm in the Law building, and Langston Hughes in the English building.

This is a huge undertaking which will probably flood into March, or even April. But I've always believed that black history, as well as every other culture's history, is too improtant to restrict to one month.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to  farellemoon for inspiring me to do this, and encouraging to take my frustration and turn it into good. It was her advice and that led to my plans for this year. Thank you so much!!!

As she encouraged me, now I encourage you: go out and explore history. Not only black history, but any history that fascinates you. Whether it's your own cultural background, or a culture completely different from your own. And feel free to share the wealth of your research.