The month of February has begun, and many within our community will be celebrating the traditions and accomplishments of African Americans during Black History Month.

Established first by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week,” the week-long observance officially became Black History Month in 1976.

In 1990 the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture was chartered and soon thereafter established the NAPAC museum as a depository of artifacts, photographs and documents pertaining to the African-American community in the Miss-Lou.

People of Natchez and the surrounding area contributed greatly to the foundation of our nation’s economy with its early cotton industry.

Missing has been the recognition of the contributions made by African Americans in the process.

From Madame C.J. Walker to Oprah Winfrey and beyond, the NAPAC museum exists to tell our story.

Natchez needs NAPAC, and NAPAC needs Natchez as we as a community look to expand our tourism economy.

During the month of February we will be collecting photographs, family recipes and heirloom artifacts to be displayed at the museum so that visitors to our community and future generations will be able to learn of the rich history and contributions of African Americans to the area.

The museum board soon will expand hours at the museum so you will have more opportunities to visit.

Dig out those old photographs to be copied, share with us that special recipe or something that has been passed down for generations and allow us to share with the world.

Call 601-445-0728 and become a member of NAPAC. Our annual membership meeting will be Feb. 26. All are invited to attend. More information will be available as the day draws nearer.

Become a part of the celebration of the lives and accomplishments of the area’s African-American community.

Don’t forget the parade, which is coming up on Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. Applications are available at the museum and at the Natchez Convention Center.

The theme will be “Standing Upon the Shoulders of Greatness.” Grand marshals will be Mr. and Mrs. Michael Winn.

The Winns were chosen to be grand marshals because of their lifetime commitment to service. Both are masters in their chosen fields of pharmacy and business leadership.

The Winns are dedicated to community affairs and public education. They are influential in their church and have never failed to honor civic duty.

What will be tomorrow’s history is being written today. Join us as we salute accomplishments of today and of the generations that precede us. Black history is American history.

Darrell White is a Natchez resident.