It’s February, which means it soon will be the day that men in relationships dread — Valentine’s Day.

But, February is also Black History Month, and for families like ours — interracial ones — that history is of special significance.

Is it more special for us than for other families? No.  Not necessarily.  But, as the White dad of a Biracial son, I do want to make sure that our son is provided with plenty of education and information about all aspects of his heritage, particularly things that I may not have had exposure to myself.  And Black History Month presents a terrific opportunity to give him even greater exposure than usual to the Black side of his family background.

What does this mean?  Well, for everyone it’s different.  To some, it means trips to museums or buying of books or visits to older relatives who have interesting and unique memories of history personal, familial and national.

For us, though, it means casting as wide a net as possible in order to find out as much as we can, not only to educate our son, but for my wife and me to educate ourselves.  For as much as my wife and I think that we’re educated people, there is always something new to learn.

Indeed, that’s what’s so great about Black History Month.  It’s an invitation and opportunity for all of us, young and old alike, to challenge ourselves to learn more about Black History, which is itself a key component of American and World History.  Some know that history more intimately than others.  Others (frequently, but not always, those who are not Black) may not know the history as well.  Whatever your knowledge of Black History may be, however, learning is always a good thing, so why not take this opportunity to learn more?

And, in the process, if you come across a great book or museum or film or other learning opportunity, please let the rest of us know.