The tradition of Black History Month dates as far back as 1915. But over the years, it seems as if the knowledge of black history is steadily decreasing.

The history of African Americans is just as important now as it was then.

When I think about Black History Month, I have very mixed emotions.

On one hand, I feel that the celebration of the African American culture is beautiful and needs to be appreciated.

But I also feel that the celebration should not be limited to 28, sometimes 29 days.

Black culture is one of the most unique cultures there is. There is nothing like it. Black history deserves more respect than just a designated month.

Am I not black every day? Telling me to celebrate my history in one month is like telling me that I’m only supposed to recognize my ethnicity during that time.

Black history is American history. We helped shape this country just as much as everyone else did.

How can we call ourselves the “Melting Pot” when most of “American” history is comprised of one basic race?

Most classrooms today barely mention the advances African Americans made in American history. Last year, when I asked my 12-year-old sister what her class did during Black History Month, she replied with “absolutely nothing.”

When I was her age, if my teachers did not talk about one black person the whole year, they would at least mention Martin Luther King, Jr. during Black History Month.

Nowadays, no one feels the need to even acknowledge the importance of black culture.

Some people today are so caught up in the “idea” of Black History Month that they fail to realize the “importance” of black history in general.

In my American literature class, our instructor asked the students to name a 19th century African American writer.

The room became quiet and no one responded. I was disappointed, not in the students per say, but in the lack of diversity that our educational system has dealt us.

Where would we be without the controversial stances of Booker T. Washington and W.E. B. Du Bois?

We can’t forget Alvin Ailey, who forever changed the perception of American dance, and the soulful music of Mahalia Jackson.

So many African Americans contributed to this country we all live in. Instead of waiting until February to celebrate our American history, we should recognize the diversity in our country every day.