February is Black History Month. The month is an opportunity to understand Black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight Black achievement. A continued engagement with history is vital as it helps give context for the present.

Black History Month was created in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History.” February was chosen by Woodson for the week-long observance—as it coincides with the birthdates of both President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History month. Since his administration, every American president has recognized Black History Month and its mission. But it was not until Congress passed “National Black History Month” into law, in 1986, that many in the country began to observe it formally.

Every year, a theme is chosen and this year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness to recognize the contributions of Black leaders like our own Bishop Emeritus J. Terry Steib, S.V.D., who work for the betterment of the African-American community. Please click on the following link to read a recent interview Bishop Steib did in a Special Edition of our Faith West Tennessee Magazine: FWTNBishopSteib.

Many blessings to Bishop Emeritus Steib—and as he says: “God is Good, All the Time and All the Time, God is Good!”