February is not just the month we celebrate Valentine's Day, it is also the month that has been chosen to honor Black history. Throughout the month of February across the United States there are various events that take place to celebrate African Americans' roles and accomplishments in society.

From listening to speakers to viewing pieces of art commemorating struggles African Americans have endured, Black History Month has remained a time to learn about and celebrate differences in each other.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Rev. Jesse E. Moorland worked together in 1915 to establish the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, researching the roles African Americans have played in United States history and contributions they have made.

In an effort to discredit false ideas about African Americans, the next year Woodson published and distributed The Journal of Negro History. Woodson also hoped the publication would help educate African Americans on their history and cultural background, and make them proud of their race.

With the help of the fraternity Omega Psi Phi in 1920, Woodson created Negro History and Literature Week. He changed the name to Negro History Week in 1926, and chose to celebrate the week in February in honor of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who were both born in the month.

Although Woodson died in 1950, Negro History Week continued to grow, and cities across the U.S. adopted the celebration. After the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, the weeklong celebration turned into a month in 1976, and has remained so since.

Throughout the month of February there are various celebrations taking place that anyone can attend. This is a time to observe and honor the struggles and triumphs of a group of people and their culture. Look in your local community listings.

Art can be used in many different ways to convey a particular message. Art can convey an emotion or an idea, or  it can soothe someone in stressful times. At California State University, Chico, art is being used as a means to express diversity.

The third annual Diversity Art Show will take place in Kendall Hall March 3-30. It is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Josh Whittinghill in the Educational Opportunity Program.

The idea for the Diversity Art Show began with Whittinghill, after he worked closely with an art show for EOP. Whittinghill said he thought it would be a good way for people to express themselves.

The show is open to anyone, on or off campus, who would like to join. The Diversity Art Show's theme is "What is your definition of diversity?"

Diversity means different things to different people, and that will be showcased in the art show. For example, one artist chose to enter pieces dealing with recycling because he found that some people were opposed to it and held negative connotations of the practice.

Other artists have chosen to define diversity in images of sexual orientation, cultural differences, and music. Some students have even chosen to enter pictures taken while studying abroad.

"The best part is seeing it all come together and seeing all of the support from people embracing it, moving forward with it, and being inspired to promote diversity in their daily lives," Whittinghill said.

Diversity is not a subject that you can categorize easily. Art is used to communicate individual messages dealing with diversity.

Submissions to the art show must be made no later than February 25. Contact the Office of Diversity at 530-898-4764 or diversityoffice@csuchcio.edu or Josh Whittinghill at 530-898-4605 or jwhittinghill@csuchico.edu for more details.

There will be a reception on March 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Kendall Hall near the spiral staircase for those interested in meeting some of the artists.

To view pictures and more information for the Diversity Art Show click HERE.