B lack History Month is officially here, and although we should take the time to celebrate Black history all the time—not just the shortest month of the year—there's something

Black History Month was recognized nationally in 1976, when President Gerald Ford designated the month as a time for the public to honor the contributions of Black Americans, according to the museum. The month has since inspired other groups and an appreciation of multicultural backgrounds.

West Michigan residents looking to honor and celebrate Black History Month have a series of various activities to partake in this year. Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the country every February.

From historical plays to intimate concerts to films and children’s activities, here are 13 ways to take part in Black History Month in and around Boston this year.

I think that there is this desire to make this point that African-American history or Black history is so integral to the American story, American history,” Hayes said. “Bu