Hollywood has been notoriously slow in the move towards equality, and sometimes it can seem like for every step forward, there’s two steps back. But with momentum gaining in the mainstream, Black History Month has become ever more important as part of the proven success of representation—feeling seen and heard, and rightfully awarded.
That’s why so many black celebrities have joined in the conversation about this (sometimes controversial) month, sharing their own ways of celebrating black excellence from past, present, and even future. Click through to see what celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and Rihanna have said, shared, and celebrated as part of Black History Months past.