February is Black History Month, where we raise awareness of and celebrate African American contributions throughout history. Where sometimes textbooks are lacking, Black History Month seeks to fill those gaps and create a space to discuss the influential African American figures and achievements that changed the world we live in today.

Black History Month is also a time to celebrate diversity — diversity in the makeup of the American people, in our cultures and in how our perspectives on the world all differ from each other.

It is important to study and learn about the facts of African American history during Black History Month. It is also important during the month to recognize the creative contributions that come from African Americans and stem from African American history.

Creative works allow us to understand the diversity and history Black History Month celebrates and raises awareness of by delving straight into it and allowing us to see the world firsthand through perhaps a different lens than what we are used to.

Where seeking out literature and films by and about African Americans should always be a necessity, Black History Month is a time to truly give ourselves an opportunity to celebrate with a sense of urgency and togetherness the history and diversity that can be found in reading books, poems and stories, and watching films, documentaries and series about African American people and history.

All these mediums allow readers or viewers to fully engage in a story and to take a walk in someone else’s shoes. Whether the narrating perspectives are historical or modern, Black History Month allows us to recognize these contributions and celebrate them all.

The Parthenon staff have listed some of the things they are reading and watching this February to celebrate and commemorate Black History Month.