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Black History month is a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices that Black Americans have made to our country, while celebrating achievements made to our country and the world. It is also a time to continue the strives that Blacks have made toward equality for ALL. There was a time that Black History was celebrated for one week, I was in school, and the time was pre-integration in the 50s and 60s. The significance of the week was that it fell the same week of President Abraham Lincoln's Birthday… Feb. 12 and the week Fredrick Douglas chose to celebrate his birthday. I say chose because Fredrick Douglas was born enslaved and did not know his actual birthday, so he chose to celebrate it on Feb. 14. President Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas were instrumental in helping Blacks gain many of the freedoms that we experience today. As a Black man, it makes me proud to know that Black History is celebrated around the world. Canada celebrates Black History in February. While the United Kingdom celebrates Black History in October. I am grateful to Carter G. Wooden for being one of the people that led to the establishment of Black History Month in 1976 (according to NAACP.org). I am also grateful to former President Gerald Ford for officially recognizing Black History month in 1976 (according to history. com). History.com notes that President Ford called "upon the public to "seize" the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Black Americans have contributed so many things that are often unrecognized. These contributions include medicine for glaucoma, color monitors for desktop computers, automatic elevator doors, and gas masks. Visit https://www.childrensinstitute.net/about-us/ blog/littleknown-facts-about-black-history_black-inventors to view more inventions. It is my hope that someday we will not need a "Black History" month, we will begin the conversation to understand each other, and ALL history will be taught in our schools and public institutions. Special thanks to Lane Joel, Crystal, Christina and Monica. ~ Your fellow Solerian, Willie Hill Solera Black History Month | LIFE IN SOLERA | MARCH 2023 | 11