America is a great country. Its greatness does not come from its land, its resources, or its natural wonders. The greatness of America comes from its people. No people in the whole of human history have accomplished so much in such a short span of time. We look to our diverse group of heroes, teachers, and visionaries from our past and our present to define this greatness of America.

Like all great nations before us, America is not devoid of flaws. The most profound of these failings is that our society has forgotten some of those Great Americans, on account of their race, who have contributed to the strengths of our nation. Despite overcoming the trials of racism and discrimination, many great African-Americans have had their accomplishments discredited, overlooked or forgotten.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson pioneered a new idea called “Negro History Week,” a celebration of the accomplishments of Great Americans who were African-Americans. In 1976, during the bicentennial of our nation’s birth, this idea was expanded into “Black History Month.” President Gerald Ford called upon all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” This celebration, begun by Dr. Woodson, helps America live up to the words found in our Preamble of the United States Constitution, words that urge us as a nation to strive to “form a more perfect union.”

In this month of February, the Lee’s Summit North High School Social Studies Department showcases 250 Great Americans as part of our Black History Month celebration. These great Americans, although not a complete list, are a sampling of those who helped form this nation into a more perfect union. Their accomplishments cover a wide range of areas such as art, literature, sports, science, civil rights, music, and discovery. We invite you to discover and learn the great accomplishments of these Americans.