February is Black History Month, a celebration of accomplishments by African Americans and their role in U.S. history. It is a tribute to African Americans who overcame great adversity to achieve their rightful place in American society.

Its origin dates back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson led the effort to proclaim the second week of February Negro History Week. The week was selected to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. As the week grew in popularity, it became Black History Month, officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

I grew up on the far south side of Chicago and attended Mt. Carmel High School, both of which were racially diverse. Unfortunately, there were occasional tense racial situations, but one man who cut through all of that was English teacher Roscoe Lindsey, an African American.

A Navy veteran, Mr. Lindsey was beloved by all. He was equally hard but also had fun with all races. He saw potential in all of us, and none of us ever wanted to let him down. Regardless of any ill feelings between any races, there was harmony in Mr. Lindsey’s class. Somehow after class, any tension usually subsided. That was the Lindsey effect.

Many years later, I reconnected with Mr. Lindsey on social media. In one message he sent, he wrote he knew I would eventually find my way to writing in some form. As usual, he was right. I would often send grammar questions to him. We would also send grammar jokes to each other.

A few years ago, Mr. Lindsey passed away unexpectedly. We lost a good man. I lost my favorite teacher. I miss our communications.

I think about him often, especially during this month. I recently learned his birthday was Feb. 12, which is so fitting.

Happy birthday, Mr. Lindsey, and rest in peace. You made a difference.

— John Wroblewski, online writer