Black History Month began as a way to ensure that the stories, achievements, and contributions of African Americans were not overlooked or forgotten. What started as a week of recognition in 1970 grew into a nationally recognized month in 1976, when President Gerald Ford encouraged Americans to honor Black history as an essential part of the American story.

Today, Black History Month remains more than a moment of recognition. It is an act of stewardship. When public observances evolve or scale back, the responsibility to preserve history, elevate voices, and continue learning does not disappear. It becomes shared across communities, organizations, and institutions.

That is why Black History Month still matters.

From Recognition to Responsibility

Black history is not static, but lives through education, dialogue, and participation. Preserving it requires more than reflection and requires true engagement by all.

Across the country, museums, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community groups continue to bring Black history to life through lectures, exhibits, performances, and discussions. Platforms like BlackHistoryMonth.gov serve as a central resource for discovering events and learning opportunities that invite people to actively participate rather than passively observe.

These efforts reinforce how history is sustained not only by proclamations, but by people who choose to learn, listen, and carry it forward.

Honoring the Past While Shaping the Future

In past years, Makpar has used Black History Month as an opportunity to spotlight influential African American leaders in government and public service, honor historic contributions and recognize how agencies across the federal landscape commemorate this month through education and outreach.

Those stories matter because they connect history to the present. The contributions of African Americans have shaped public service, national defense, science, policy, and technology in ways that continue to influence how government serves the American people today. Black History Month reminds us that progress has often been driven by individuals whose work was not always fully recognized in their time, but whose impact endures.

Participation Is How History Endures

This year, as some traditional observances change, many organizations and communities are stepping forward to ensure that Black history remains visible, accessible, and understood. That momentum reflects the strength of shared responsibility.

Participating in Black History Month can take many forms:

• Attending local or virtual events.
• Engaging with educational resources.
• Listening to stories and perspectives that may not be familiar.
• Sharing knowledge within workplaces and communities.

Each action, however small, contributes to keeping history alive and relevant.

Makpar’s Commitment

At Makpar, we believe honoring Black History Month means more than acknowledging the past. It means fostering an environment where learning, respect, and inclusion are part of how we work every day.

We are committed to supporting a workforce where people feel valued and empowered, and to giving back to the communities we serve. Recognizing Black History Month is one way we reaffirm those values and our belief that understanding history strengthens the future.

Black history is American history. Preserving it is a responsibility we all share.

To learn more about how Makpar creates an environment where people can do meaningful work and continue learning together, click here.