Black History Month annually celebrates the achievements by African-Americans. It is also a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in United States history. According to history.com, the month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Below, Elon University students wrote what Black History Month means to them:

Photos by Caroline Brehman and Alec Mandell | Photo Editor and Staff Photographer