Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the contributions Black Americans, both in the past and present, helped shaped our nation. A number of Black Ohioans made significant contributions to not only their state, but also to the U.S.

In this Spectrum News special, we are highlighting those Ohioans as well as pieces of the past that led our world to where it is today. 

Watch the special in three parts below:

Part 1:
We start with the story of Garrett Morgan, who might not be a household name outside of Cleveland, but the entrepreneur's inventions over the years have become widely recognized, often solving the problems of the day and making the lives of people better than what they were. We take a look at not only what he created in his time, but the impact and how his family is carrying on his legacy and spirit of creativity.

Part 2:

At the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, history is being preserved for generations to come. We spoke with Dr. Charles Wash Jr., the director of the museum. 

"You know, sometimes words fail us, but the visuals ... the adage of a picture is worth a thousand words. I mean, I really truly believe that because certain pieces of art that I see may evoke something in me that I may not have known was even there. It helps us tell a story, and it helps us preserve a story in a way that words can't," Wash said.

Part 3:

Civil rights movements, concerns about critical race theory being taught in K-12 schools and controversies over banning books have left some teachers on edge about how they might teach Black history this year for districts already invested in the work of diversity, equity and inclusion. We take a look at Westerville City Schools in central Ohio, which has done just that during this Black History Month, After are countless protests across the country in response to the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, K-12 teachers found themselves on a tough spot — a spot of wondering how they might teach Black history.