Happy Black History Month!

February is a month filled with many special observances and holidays, from President’s Day to Valentine’s Day. One of the most important observances February offers is Black History Month, which serves as a way for America as a nation to reflect and learn about the triumphs, strides, and achievements of the African American community. It is a way to reverently honor those who have, throughout our history, suffered injustice, whether it be through slavery, Jim Crow Laws, or the institutionalized racism that still exists today.

One way to get into the spirit of the first day of Black History Month is to check out today’s Google Doodle, which features the incredible Harriet Tubman. 420px-Harriet_TubmanIf you are unfamiliar with her, Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, during the latter part of the 19th century. Called the “Moses of her People,” Harriet Tubman successfully led over 300 slaves safely out of the South and into the free northern states, with the great distinction of having never lost a single “passenger.” She was lauded for not only accomplishing this seemingly impossible task, but she accomplished it while suffering from a severe form of narcolepsy, and with an enormous bounty placed on her head. She even went on to later serve as Union spy and nurse during the Civil War, despite the fact that she was never truly recognized for her military achievements by the government.

What we can all take away from this is that Harriet Tubman is cooler and more bad-ass than you or I will ever be, and is therefore the perfect candidate to start off Black History Month.

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