It is commonly known that Black History Month is observed in February to celebrate the contributions of African Americans.

Those contributions -- in music, religion, technology, entertainment, athletics, education, government and, especially, civil rights -- have been woven into the cultural fabric of America.

But, what often isn't as well-known as the month's observance are the challenges that fill the stories of African Americans who make a difference every day in their communities and within their families.

The Army values the contributions that African American Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians make to ensure the nation's Army remains highly capable and mission ready. Those African American patriots join a melting pot of patriots to build a diverse Army and a strong nation.

Team Redstone will recognize those contributions during an African American/Black History Month Observance on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. in the Bob Jones Auditorium. The observance will be hosted by the Army Materiel Commands' Logistics Support Activity, and will feature guest speaker Dr. Carlton Byrd, senior pastor of Oakwood University Church and speaker/director of the Breath of Life Television broadcast, which air on four international television networks.

Today, more than ever, African Americans are taking advantage of economic, educational and social opportunities to further both their own dreams and the dreams of all Americans to live in a nation that recognizes the right of all citizens to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as guaranteed by the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Perhaps more than anything else, education has made a difference in the lives of African Americans. In recognition of the influence education has had on African Americans, this year's Team Redstone essay contest is focused on "Education: Success Always Leaves Footprints."

Education has often gone hand-in-hand with Black History Month. From the observance's initial phase in 1926, an emphasis has been placed on encouraging the teaching of American black history in the nation's public schools.

The fight for the right of African Americans to be educated began well before America's Civil War, when slaves struggled to learn how to read and write, often secretly. It continued through the rise of black colleges and universities after the Civil War, with unrelenting battles in the courts over educational opportunities for African Americans, through the Civil Rights Movement and the Freedom Schools of the 1960s, and into today's local community-based academic and mentorship programs that inspire a love of learning and a thirst for achievement among young black students.

As we join together to celebrate Black History Month, this observance carries a unique meaning for all of us. During this month, some will reflect on the history of civil rights, others will celebrate the great leaders who have risen up in the African American culture, still others will express their appreciation for the beauty of song and dance, and the strength of athletics that reflect African American culture.

But, more than anything else, we all should use this month's observance as a reminder of how a family, a community, a nation becomes stronger, more powerful and infinitely more beautiful when it embraces the cultures born from different creeds, religions and colors.