We ask schools, public institutions, and community organizations to end Black History Month as a separate official annual observance and teach Black history throughout the year, alongside the histories and contributions of other communities.

Black History Month was established to address the exclusion of Black history and achievement from public education and recognition. That history should continue to be taught. We believe, however, that concentrating it in one month can make it seem separate from the rest of history and allow institutions to treat a brief annual observance as sufficient.

History is interconnected, though communities’ experiences are not identical. Lessons on slavery, colonialism, migration, discrimination, resistance, and achievement can include Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latino, and other histories in their proper contexts. Teaching these subjects throughout the year can give students a fuller understanding of the past and recognize more communities consistently.

Students should learn about injustice and its consequences, as well as resilience, achievement, and social change. A year-round approach can help young people understand history without reducing people to racial labels or inherited pain—and help them see how people can shape a fairer future.

We are not asking that Black history be forgotten or minimized. We are asking that the separate observance end and that Black history be taught as an integral part of a broader, inclusive curriculum throughout the year.

Please sign this petition to ask education authorities and public institutions to end Black History Month as a separate official observance and support year-round history education that includes Black history and the histories of other communities.

Ark of Rescue Mental Health and Addiction Society, ArkofRescue.org