Celebrating Black History Month: A WebPTer Perspective

Spotlight on Black History

Black History Month is a federally recognized month to focus on the achievements and contributions of African Americans. According to History.com, it was first proposed in 1969 by students and educators at Kent State University, and by 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. 

Fun facts: 

• February was chosen to celebrate the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. 
• Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are other countries that also celebrate Black History.

The Stories You May Not Know

While many are familiar with iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, Black history is filled with countless individuals whose stories deserve recognition:

• Marsha P. Johnson was a leader in the gay liberation movement, playing a pivotal role in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969.
• Richard and Mildred Loving were the couple behind Loving v. Virginia, the landmark case that overturned the U.S. ban on interracial marriage in 1967.
• Benjamin Banneker, a mathematician and scientist, is credited with designing the layout of Washington, D.C.
• Marie Van Brittan Brown, a full-time nurse, invented the first home security system and filed for a patent in 1966.
• John Mercer Langston became the first African-American lawyer in the United States when he passed the bar in 1854. He’s also the great-uncle of famed Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street

One of the most remarkable yet devastating moments in Black history was the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, where the thriving Greenwood District—known as Black Wall Street—was destroyed by a violent white mob. Greenwood was a flourishing community filled with Black-owned businesses, hospitals, and schools. Despite the tragic events, the legacy of Black Wall Street remains a testament to Black entrepreneurship, resilience, and excellence.

Black Excellence in Sports and Pop Culture

Black athletes and entertainers have played an instrumental role in shaping pop culture. Here are just a few game-changing achievements:

• Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start—and win—a Super Bowl in 1988 with Washington.
• Tiger Woods holds 82 PGA Tour wins, tying him with Sam Snead for the most in history.
• Serena Williams has claimed 23 Grand Slam titles, cementing her as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
• Kendrick Lamar made history at the 2025 Grammy Awards, winning in every category he was nominated for with his hit song, Not Like Us.

WebPT’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Here at WebPT, we like to celebrate everyone, and we try to celebrate all the holidays. Let’s just say it’s what the Culture is feeling here at the company. WebPT offers a range of employee resource groups, such as Propel Me (Multi-Ethnic ERG), which includes all shades of love. We try to meet once a month to discuss topics ranging from equality to understanding each other's backgrounds, shared articles, and what’s going on in the world. WebPT is all about some “U.N.I.T.Y, U.N.I.T.Y, that’s a unity” (shout out to Queen Latifah).

We also support initiatives like Rizing Tide, a nonprofit founded by WebPT’s own Heidi Jannenga. Rizing Tide is dedicated to increasing diversity within the physical therapy profession, providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities to aspiring therapists from underrepresented backgrounds.

Keep the Celebration Going

Looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month? Here are some must-watch films:

• Hidden Figures – The untold story of Black female mathematicians at NASA.
• Do The Right Thing – A powerful exploration of race relations.
• The Butler – A historical drama following a White House butler who served eight U.S. presidents.
• Ruby Bridges – The inspiring story of the first Black child to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans.

Final Thoughts

As we honor Black History Month, we encourage everyone to learn, engage, and take action to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of life. Whether through education, advocacy, or simply amplifying Black voices, every effort contributes to meaningful change.

At WebPT, we’re proud to honor and celebrate Black excellence not just in February but every day. Thank you for taking the time to check this article out. I hope you walk away with a broader understanding of some poignant moments in Black history.