Black History is not just about celebrating
the achievements of the past.
Acknowledging the figures we learn about in textbooks
or seeing statues is important,
but it's only part of the history.
Black History is unfolding today,
and we want to honor some of the achievements and milestones
that are shaping our culture and building a better future for us
all.
NASA's astronaut, Jessica Watkins,
made history when she became the first Black woman
to serve a long-duration mission on the International Space
Station.
Her accomplishments in the field of space exploration
are a milestone for diversity in the STEM industry. In 2022,
Ketanji Brown Jackson was officially
sworn in as a US Supreme Court justice,
becoming the first Black woman to serve on the highest court.
Her appointment is a historic moment
and is a step towards greater representation in the highest
levels of government.
African-American studies is now being
piloted as an advanced placement course in sixty high schools
throughout the United States.
This program is expected to be available
to all interested high schools in the 2024 to 2025
school year, marking a significant step
in acknowledging the field of African-American studies.
Black History is an ongoing narrative,
and it is our responsibility to ensure the stories continue
to be celebrated.