Even though Black History month has come to a close, that doesn’t mean we cannot still appreciate some of the most iconic African American activists that put everything on the line to fight for the equality of African Americans everywhere. From Martin Luther King’s “I had a dream” to Malcolm X’s articulated concepts of race pride and black nationalism to Rosa Parks’ simply refusing to move seats for a white person, the countless of acts of protest that African Americans displayed were the stepping stones to the equality of all.

Students Jaylen Garland, Jaden Walker and Michael Burgwin expressed their feelings on what Black History Month means to not just them, but the African American community as a whole.

“To me black history month is where we thank and remember all past African Americans who have fought for equality and to appreciate what they have done for us a little bit more in our time now,” said Garland.

“It’s where we remember historic and current African American leaders who have helped the push for equal rights,” said Walker.

“Black history month really allows us to remember the importance and struggles that the African American community has faced. We appreciate the leaders that have helped push America away from racism. No one should ever forget what African Americans went through,” said Burgwin.

No matter what the month is, the fight that African Americans have put up and are still putting up for equality is never ending. From slavery, to countless acts of murder, to segregation, to racial profiling, the history of African Americans has been the farthest thing from a nice walk in the park.

People need to continue to be educated about our nation’s history because no matter how hard it is to digest, the pain and suffering inflicted on people of color is a scar that will never fully go away.

Let’s face it, racism is always going to be around in different degrees, but America and countries worldwide need to continue to take the steps necessary to ensure that the equality is distributed to everyone.

With still so much more to overcome as a country, the breakthroughs made amongst racism head in the right direction.