If you’re like us, you woke up the other day wondering where the month of January went.

It almost seemed as if the month of February sneaked in a little early.

But regardless of its sudden arrival, we’re glad February is here. On the most basic level, it signals warm weather is just around the corner. But, more important, February is Black History Month.

The special designation helps force all of us to remember the importance of black contributions to American history.

It’s vital to do that because for years, black history wasn’t considered part of American history. It wasn’t in the history books or the scholarly journals.

But that’s quickly changing.

Later this month, the words of world-renowned author Richard Wright, Natchez’s own “native son, will be featured in the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration.

Scholars from all over the world will come here to study Wright’s literary greatness.

Today’s Super Tuesday primary contains the first truly national black candidate as a contender for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president of the United States.

Yes, February is truly a good month to focus on the accomplishments of not only the blacks who have marked our history, but who are also marking our future, too.

One day — and that day gets ever closer with each passing day — black history will be a valued part of American history.