We all know of Tiger Woods, the world’s most well-known and arguably best golfer in the world. But what of George F. Grant, the first black graduate of Harvard and inventor of the golf tee?

We all know of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time. But how about Jack Johnson, the world’s first heavyweight boxing champion?

George Washington Carver, especially in this neck of the woods, is very well-known. But how many people know about Henry Blair, one of the first blacks to receive a U.S. patent and the inventor of a corn-planting machine that revolutionized the business.

The big names we all know. But what of the lesser-known blacks who have contributed to society? Everyone could use a little more perspective, a new context to view the world in. The reason Black History Month exists.

Let’s face it, in a perfect world – one where black and white mean nothing, where the accomplishments and achievements of blacks are so ingrained in our culture that it would no longer be necessary to take a month to bring them to the forefront – we wouldn’t need it. But as we all know, a perfect world this is not.

And thus we have a month of celebration and recognition and thanks. We are more than halfway through Black History Month, but the events on campus are still going strong.

Next week the College of Family and Consumer Sciences will host three events that all are encouraged to attend. Show up Monday at 11 a.m. at the LeBaron Lounge for soul food tasting. There will be 20 types of food common during the slavery period. And Tuesday at the LeBaron Lounge you will hear James Bowman, former Tuskegee airman during World War II.

Friday you can enjoy an “Evening of Jazz” at 5 p.m. in LeBaron Lounge. So, there are plenty of things to do on campus to commemorate the month.

And the month is not just for those of us who are not black. It is just as important for those who are. This is a time to learn about the past, ask questions about the present and address them for the future.

This is a mode of thought that should not end March 1. February is not the time to be patronizing or to fake interest in another culture. This should be a goal of everyone all year round.

Go ahead, learn something new everyday. Allow yourself to be immersed with new facts about different cultures or even your own culture.

Find out what’s happening around campus for Black History Month. Try some new food, hear someone speak who you normally wouldn’t hear and take in the resources our university is providing us to enrich ourselves by learning more about others.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Charlie Weaver, Omar Tesdell