The month of February is observed as black history month but we all know that we celebrate Black History for 365 days. Let’s highlight and celebrate Black excellence to shine a light on the achievements made by African Americans of both the past and present. The celebration of the history of African Americans started with a week in 1926. Carter G Woodson called for the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”. "If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, so it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” - Carter G. Woodson

Later in 1976 Negro History Week grew to Black History Month. The achievements made by those of the past provide inspiration for our future. Let's look at a few African American first of 2018.

Amy Sherald - First African American female artist commissioned for US first lady portrait to be displayed in Smithsonian.

Kehinde Wiley - First African American male artist commissioned for US President portrait to be displayed in Smithsonian.

Ava Duvernay - First African American woman to direct a film with a budget in excess of 1 million dollars.

Ryan Coogler - First African American director of a Marvel film (Black Panther).