Black History Month Through the Eyes of a Military Spouse

When I think of Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, I look at the annual celebration of accomplishments by African Americans. I also take time to honor and recognize their roles in history. It is a meaningful time to reflect and celebrate the black scientists, inventors, artists, astronauts, and activists of our past that opened doors for our present African Americans that are rising. They are rising as black business owners, artists, educators, musicians, and writers—all making waves in their industry.

A Time to Learn and Reflect

During Black History Month, I especially like to learn about and support black-owned businesses and remarkable black figures actively making a change in their communities. I also take time to dive deep into black women-led causes and read about authors that have made a difference in this country.

The 1619 Project by the New York Times, now a six-part docuseries on Hulu, is a chronicled story by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. This documentary is about how slavery transformed America. Black History Month is about learning the imprints that Black Americans made during slavery and in the present.

Support and Uplift Others

This month also allows other small minority own businesses to spotlight what they have to offer within their communities and across the country. I am proud to be a military spouse that is a CEO/Founder of an African American, women-owned small business. As someone who has worked for 20+ years in various positions in the military and private sector, I have witnessed firsthand the kind of assistance needed for service men and women to successfully retire or seek work after their service has ended. It is my hope to make a difference every day and remind military spouses that they have a voice and can be entrepreneurs.

There are so many opportunities, resources, and help out there—organizations like National Military Family Association, that support diversity, inclusion, equity, and the success of military families.

So, I part with this, Black History Month is important. And not just for African Americans and me, but for all. It is a gateway and opportunity for everyone to learn from our history—past and present-making.

By: Franchette Dyer, Army Spouse and Founder of Vetech Business Services