Feb. 1 marks the first day of Black History Month, and suddenly the study of the Black experience may feel like an act of defiance.

Black History Month wasn’t always a monthlong celebration. In February 1926, historian and author Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. It was a weeklong celebration in an effort to teach people about African-American history and the contributions of Black people.

While appearing to ignore mainstream science, he cited flawed or tangential research to make his points, such as suggesting Black people may need different vaccines than whites. The illness is tough to avoid once someone in your house gets sick.

Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation will mark the start of Black History Month –- a celebration of Black history, culture and education. The history of the month dates back almost a century,