Too often, the month of February is relegated to reruns of Alex Haley’s Roots on television and commercials with companies saluting black leaders. In the 1980s, there was a slogan: “It’s a black thing. You won’t understand.” History is not a black thing. It is an American thing, so you need to understand. There is more to black history than the underground railroad and negro spirituals. Many American “firsts” in science, medicine, and technology were contributions by African Americans. Please take this time to reflect on the richness that diversity adds to this country. Although dubbed the “Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice & Sing speaks to the American experience as much asAmerica the Beautiful and God Bless America. Below is my tribute to Black History Month.