Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history.

Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.

Black History Month offers small businesses a big opportunity: not just to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans but to emphasize a company’s commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace.