This month, as we celebrate African-American History Month, we reflect on the depth, resilience and undeniable contributions of Black Americans to this nation. Nowhere is that history more deeply woven into the fabric of America than in Virginia.

From the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the birth of leaders who shaped the nation, Virginia is not just a chapter in Black history, it is the foundation of American history itself.

In August of 1619, “twenty and odd” Africans were brought to the shores of Virginia at Fort Comfort, modern-day Hampton. These men and women, taken from their homeland, arrived unwillingly, yet their endurance and spirit helped build the America we know today. They were among the first in an ongoing struggle for freedom, justice and equality, a struggle that still calls for our remembrance and vigilance.

From that first landing, the trail of African-American history winds throughout the entire Commonwealth. In Franklin County, we find the birthplace of Booker T. Washington, one of the most influential African American leaders in history. Born into slavery, Washington rose to become an educator, orator and the founder of Tuskegee Institute. His life and teachings on self-reliance, education and economic empowerment remain vital lessons today. His Virginia roots remind us that even from the depths of oppression, greatness can rise.

Moving through history, we arrive at Farmville, home of the Moton Museum, a national landmark honoring the student-led strike at Robert Russa Moton High School in 1951. These courageous young men and women, led by Barbara Johns, ignited a movement for educational equality that played a pivotal role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Their bold stand reminds us that the fight for civil rights was never just about marches and speeches, it was about students, communities and everyday people demanding change.

But the journey doesn’t end there. If Virginia is the cradle of American democracy, it also is the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement. And at The Gloucester Institute, the next generation of Black leaders is carrying that legacy forward.

Located on the historic grounds where legendary civil rights strategist Robert Russa Moton once lived, The Gloucester Institute is a sanctuary for young minds committed to leadership, public service and the advancement of our communities. It stands as a testament to the fact that African-American history is not just a story of struggle, it is a story of triumph, perseverance and the continuous shaping of America’s future.

This month, as we honor African-American history, let us remember that it is not separate from American history, it is American history. Yet, while it belongs to us all, it must be intentionally recognized, preserved, and taught. Too often, these stories are overlooked or forgotten. That is why we take this time each year to ensure that the full, unvarnished truth is told and that the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans are never erased.

But remembering is not enough. These institutions, Booker T. Washington’s home, the Moton Museum, The Gloucester Institute are living monuments to our history, and they need our support. Preserving our history requires investment.

Educating future generations requires resources. If we want these stories to continue to inspire, we must ensure that these institutions have the financial backing to thrive.

From 1619 to today, Virginia has been both a witness and a catalyst for change. Let us honor those who came before us by continuing to uplift their stories, educate the next generation, and ensure that history, not just Black history, but American history is never forgotten. And let us put action behind our words by investing in the institutions that safeguard this legacy. The past is ours to preserve, and the future is ours to build together.

The writer is the founder of the Gloucester Institute and served as Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s secretary of the commonwealth.