Feb. 27 — In 1869, John Willis Menard rose from his seat in the chamber of the U.S. Congress to defend his status as the first African American elected to the institution, thus becoming the first Black to address Congress. Alas, he was denied the seat and returned to Florida where he became a school superintendent.

Feb. 1 marks the start of both a new month and Black History Month—a time to honor Black culture, reflect on history, and show support for the Black community. One easy and impactful way to do that? Shopping Black-owned businesses.