To many, February is just another month of the year.

Some of the common associations people may have about February is that it is the shortest month of the year.

And no one can forget that it houses the day when it is OK for people to buy high-priced red roses and chocolates to say “I love you.”

For everyone, February should also bring to mind another distinction — the celebration and education of black history.

From its first day to its last, February is Black History Month.

In the past, Black History Month has been seen as a time for African Americans to celebrate their heritage.

This is a belief that needs to be dispelled.

At Iowa State, there are activities being hosted in celebration of the month that are intended to incorporate every race and ethnicity.

Some of the activities planned throughout the month by various student organizations include a Heritage Bowl, speakers, an open mic and a play.

Although February is designated Black History Month, it should not be the only time that people educate themselves about black history.

Most grade schools and high schools take this time to incorporate black history into their curriculums by having knowledge bowls and researching famous black entertainers and inventors.

This effort should not be criticized, but it needs to be expanded from a month to all year round.

Celebrating Black History Month is a step in the right direction from a time when blacks were only mentioned in history classes during discussion about the Civil War.

However, strides still need to be made.

The black leaders who fought for equality and desegregation during the Civil Rights Movement probably dreamed of a time when there wouldn’t be a need for a special holiday to celebrate and educate black history.

They dreamed of a time when it would be common for children to learn about the inventor Garret A. Morgan at the same time they learned about Alexander Graham Bell.

For now, Black History Month needs to be a stepping stone to that time.

ALL students should participate in some of the activities taking place on campus for Black History Month because they may find it is a history lesson they missed.