Black History Month is a time to honor the rich cultural heritage, victories, and struggles that are a part of the history of our country.
COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately harmed minority communities and placed significant responsibilities on Black health care providers, the theme is especially timely.
Sara Clarke Kaplan, who runs the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University in Washington, D.C., said, "There is no American history without African American history."
Critics have said for a long time that Black history should be taught and celebrated all year, not just during one month each year.
Carter G. Woodson, the "father of African history," was the first to try to set aside time in 1926 to promote and teach Black history and culture.
The month of February was chosen because both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were born in the second week of the month.
Lincoln was a big reason why slaves were freed, and Douglass, who had been a slave, was a major leader in the movement to end slavery.
Each year, ASALH picks a new theme for Black History Month. This is similar to what Woodson did for Negro History Week.
Dulaney said that the Black Health and Wellness theme for this year is especially important as the U.S. keeps fighting the coronavirus pandemic.