Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, begins on the first day of February. Black History Month celebrates and remembers the important people and events in the history of African Americans in the United States. Recognizing the hardships black people have experienced and appreciating who they are is the purpose of Black History Month. To celebrate this month, I want to share the story and celebrate this significant African-American in my life, Rainee Wilson.

Rainee Wilson has been one of my best friends since my childhood. Despite never attending the same school, we were able to secure a strong and lasting friendship until now. Rainee is currently a freshman at Howard University. She attended Northside College Prep before graduating last year. Throughout my years of knowing her, she has continuously proved herself to not be underestimated and persevered despite the hardest conditions. I want to honor her for Black History Month because she is an extremely hard working and beautiful soul who deserves to be acknowledged for who she is.

Rainee took strides in becoming a great student, working hard to secure good grades and always reaching out of her comfort zone. She was able to travel abroad her junior year of high school to China for her Chinese class and immerse herself in the culture. She continues to try new things to expand her knowledge and consciousness of the world around her. Rainee is not afraid to speak out on issues that affect her and the world she believes in. Her strength and determination continues to astound me, the sky is truly the limit for Rainee. From dancing to volunteer work, Rainee has continued on pushing no matter what stands in her way. Her family background has caused some strain but she does not let it define her or how she lives her life. Dealing with living far from home and the many issues appearing, Rainee keeps everything in check and works hard to reach her goals. Her friend from Howard compliments Rainee as “an incredible individual that is kind and caring but strong-willed and determined.”

I respect Rainee incredibly and am honored to be able to call her my best friend. The many small things she has done to improve the lives around her is not appreciated enough. Her endurance in the harsh, cruel world is beyond what I am capable of and I have much to learn from her. One thing she constantly says during her current struggle is, “I know this is hard but I have to keep being strong for myself and the support that the world has given me.” Rainee Wilson is a young woman who has begun to leave an impactful footprint on the world around her and continues to transform because of the strength and compassion she holds.