Each February, Black History Month offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the contributions, experiences, and voices of Black individuals and communities—past and present. At Penny Lane, this observance aligns deeply with who we are and the values that guide our work: community, compassion, action, and belonging.
Black History Month has its roots in 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to ensure that Black history and achievements were recognized and taught at a time when they were largely excluded from mainstream education. Chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the week was a deliberate act of education and advocacy.
Over time, this observance grew. In 1976, it was officially recognized as Black History Month in the United States, expanding the focus from a single week to a full month of learning, reflection, and recognition. Today, Black History Month continues to remind us that Black history is not separate from American history—it is essential to it.
Black leaders, thinkers, artists, caregivers, and activists have shaped every aspect of our nation, often in the face of exclusion and injustice. Recognizing Black history in its fullness helps us better understand the present and more thoughtfully shape the future. It also invites us to examine whose stories have been told—and whose stories we are still learning.
While Black history includes stories of struggle and resistance, it also holds powerful expressions of brilliance, creativity, joy, and community. From art and music to leadership, care, and innovation, Black excellence continues to influence culture and movements for change. Honoring these contributions means celebrating not only perseverance, but also the beauty and richness of Black life and culture.
Black History Month also invites reflection. It encourages curiosity, humility, and a willingness to listen—to history, to lived experiences, and to perspectives different from our own. Learning is ongoing, and “unlearning” can be just as important. These moments of reflection help strengthen how we show up for one another and for the individuals and families we serve.
As February ends, the lessons of Black History Month do not end. Honoring Black history means carrying its teachings forward—through our values, our choices, and our actions. At Penny Lane, we strive to be an agency of action, creating spaces of dignity, equity, and belonging in our work and in our community.
The beauty of Penny Lane lies in the diversity of our community—different backgrounds, voices, cultures, and identities coming together with shared purpose and care. As we reflect on Black History Month, may we continue to learn from one another, honor the stories entrusted to us, and move forward together with intention and compassion.
Happy Black History Month!
