February is a month of cherished dates ​–​ most known ones of course being Valentine’s day (Feb. 14), Presidents Day (Feb. 18) and, though not a holiday but still deserves a concise mention, the Superbowl (Feb. 3) ​–​ Go Pats! Go Rams!

In case it has been forgotten amidst of all the commotion and events in the next month, February also happens to be the host of Black History Month.

Black History Month began in 1915 with the efforts of Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland in founding the ​Association for the Study of Negro Life and History which was an “organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent,” according to History.com.

This movement was officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. From Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, these days are dedicated to the recognition of generation after generation of African Americans that have made an impact in society to this day.

Every year comes along with a specific theme. This year happens to be “​African Americans in Times of War” ​–​highlighting and honoring the lives and time given to fight in this country’s wars.

From the African Americans who endured hardships to simply gain a place in this country to the African Americans who brought forward the introductions of genius inventions. From the blue collar workers to athletes to musicians to politicians, they have all contributed in some way. It is a month of celebration and admiration for the race, the roles they have played in the world and their accomplishments.

In honor of Black History Month, SFCC is putting on events to show support and celebrate.

On Feb. 5, African-American poet Ebony Stewart will be on the SFCC campus giving a poetic performance from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rec. Center, room 134.

On Feb. 12, a showing of the movie, “BlacKKKlansman” will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Rec Center.

On Feb. 13, Theo Wilson will make an appearance at 11:30 a.m. at the SUB lounges A/B, with coffee and snacks provided. Wilson, also known by Lucifury, is a national slam poet champion and has been giving speeches since the age of 15 with a passion for social justice.

On Feb. 20, another free event that relates to Black History Month which students have the opportunity to attend will be the presentation “Afro-Mexicans: Our Narrative Matters” at 11:30 a.m. in SUB lounge A.

These events are organized by workers at the ​Multicultural Office for Students Actively Involved in Community (MOSAIC) on the SFCC campus.

Gloria Benegas- Zavala, who has been the MOSAIC program assistant for the past three months has the tasks of making all the ads involved with any of the events on campus. She said that all of these events are planned ahead for the whole school year.

Claudine Richardson, MOSAIC director, pointed out that Black History Month events were a bit different when she first started working here.

Being the director since September 2016, she first noticed that there were more than 12 events regarding Black History Month that were being hosted through MOSAIC or BSU. She came to the conclusion that it was a “social responsibility for the entire campus to be involved.” She decreased the number of events and encouraged other clubs and programs that are part of SFCC to be more involved ​–​ not limiting these events to just MOSAIC and BSU.

Now the student government also has events regarding the month.

“This is a historical issue ​–​not only MOSAIC’s,” Richardson said. “Developing the ideas and finding reliable people to give presentations on this certain cultural topic is not always easy,” she said. “Topics along these lines can be controversial on certain levels and not everyone is willing to speak their mind about the subject.

“It’s just as simple as it’s not important to them,” Richardson said.

Richardson knows about the growth and educational knowledge that is gained through experiencing presentations like these.

“It’s about being invested in the cultural narrative and unmasking the history that has been left out,” Richardson said. “People have been misinformed or intentionally misinformed, there’s only one history ​– ​people have been silenced.”

The importance of knowing one’s past and how we got to where we are is something that is very important to tell, Richardson said.

“Students have told me about their concerns ​–​ that’s why events happen,” she said.

She believes that everyone’s voice should be heard, which is why all of the events she brings to campus are issues brought to her by SFCC students.

“Black History Month is not just about people of that specific descent,” Richardson said. “It’s about everyone, spreading the curiosity to everyone to learn about the world’s background.”

Irish, Polish, Italian, Asian American, German History Month: it seems like many of these backgrounds have been forgotten, like Richardson said, they’ve all evolved into one big heritage: white.

No one should forget the core values that their heritage holds. Black History Month serves as a reminder to embrace who you are by looking into your culture and history: it’s your identity.