February is our chance to really celebrate the central role African-Americans played in U.S. history. Black History Month is an annual celebration of freedom, equality and the achievements of African-Americans. Many black women have become an inspiration to me through their hard work and ability to conquer adversity.

Every now and again, we need a little pick-me-up. Feed your inspiration as you bask in the words of these notable black women:

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MyHeroes-MayaAngelouconnectedwithcountlesspeoplethroughherpowerfulpoetry.jpg

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WilmaRudolph(1960).jpg#filelinks

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rosaparks.jpg

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MyHeroes-MayaAngelouconnectedwithcountlesspeoplethroughherpowerfulpoetry.jpg

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HarrietTubmanimage.jpg

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EllaFitzgerald1962.JPG

Although February is not the only time we can celebrate these women's achievements and influences, it is a great time to recognize their impact on the world. They displayed motivating examples through living life to the fullest, loving deeply, overcoming fear and finding success through the decades.