Dahleen Glanton: It’s time to rethink Black History Month Dahleen Glanton - Chicago Tribune The month dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans came to an end Sunday. This year, more than ever, we should think about the purpose Black History Month serves. Are African Americans better off this year because February was designated in our honor? Is America, in general, more knowledgeable about the contributions Black people are making to this country? And are we any more unified as a nation than we were when the idea of promoting the achievements of African Americans was born in 1915, just 50 years after the end of slavery?