Spoken from a “true” sports enthusiast, for me it is a month to recognize African American female athletes who emerged as trailblazers in their particular sports over the years, from track and field and tennis to figure skating and basketball. The struggles and hard-won glory of pioneers such as Alice Coachman, Althea Gibson, Wilma Rudolph and Lynette Woodard helped pave the way for later generations of sports greats like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Sheryl Swoopes, Venus and Serena Williams.
Black History Month is an integral part of our nation’s tradition in which we continue to promote positive examples of historical events, exemplary leaders, and steps towards societal change. This remembrance is not only deeply meaningful to me, it’s imperative for the greater understanding of U.S. and world history.