With the passing of a civil rights giant such as the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, this Black History Month took on even greater importance. It was a reminder that so many who fought for so much have left us — and that understanding our history is perhaps more important than ever.

In this era where so many of the sentiments (and horrors) we thought were long buried are, in fact, rearing their ugly heads again — when some are once again under the mistaken impression that it is safe to show us the worst of themselves — this month is essential as “a time when the culture and contributions of African Americans take center stage,” as the Wall Street Journal put it. And it is essential we focus on thorough and accurate education about our history.

The message of Black History Month is not one of exclusion or othering.

“The message is unity, love, togetherness and celebration,” said Pastor Lisa Grays of Zion Baptist Church in Parkersburg.

The church hosted people from across the community for a special African American History Celebration service Sunday. Signs throughout the church reminded attendees of the major contributions to our country’s history made by people such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, Ruby Bridges, Althea Gibson, John Lewis, Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, Barack Obama and others.

Millions upon millions more contributed while remaining unnamed and unknown, of course.

But remembering and celebrating that history matters more when we understand the sense of urgency in teaching our children the reality of where we have been and where we MUST be headed.

“It is not just yester-year, we are looking towards the future,” Grays said. “We want to impart some of the things we have learned over the years to our youth and to be able to give them hope for the future.”

The Rev. Deborah Marshall of the Whitman Chapel AME Church in Belpre spoke, too, of the importance of teaching our children.

“Pass this information on to your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” she said. “As all those books are being banned and those museums are being destroyed, they will still know where they come from and what their ancestors have accomplished.”

One generation’s giants are leaving us. Another generation is watching us and learning. During this Black History Month and always, remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s admonition — which Grays reiterated Sunday — “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”