February is National Heart Awareness Month. The human heart beats an average of 103,680 times a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, for every year we are alive.

Without holidays, lunch breaks or comp time, our hearts pump life through our veins, nourishing cells, delivering oxygen, removing carbon dioxide and distributing the mail.

Every other human organ depends on the heart to do its job. When we need to run to catch a plane or climb a flight of stairs, we depend upon our hearts to pump a little faster. When the day draws to an end and we finally lie down to sleep, without any instruction, our hearts slow down to support relaxation and renewal.

With very little care – and sometimes in spite of a lot of abuse – hearts continue steadfastly, consistently, predictably and dependably doing what they are supposed to do.

February is African-American History Month. We need this annual national focus to expand our appreciation and awareness of the history of a significant cultural group in our community. Most white people have no idea what it means to live in black skin in this country – how much heart it takes to survive, to succeed.

February is one month when we can take the time to affirm the enormous heart in African-American history, rich with accomplishment, loss, struggle and honor.

Each time you see a Valentine heart open your own to a new awareness and appreciation for the heart of the African-American community, steadfastly, consistently and dependably pumping life into the veins of a people. During February, watch for the names of the heroes and heroines who gave their lives to sit down and stand up, who used force and their voices to help create a more just society.

There were pioneers such as Marcus Garvey, the fervent black nationalist leader who inspired black people throughout the world to take pride in their African heritage; Mary Mahoney, a pioneer in nursing; and Rogers Albert, one of the first slaves to go to college; Alain Locke, a Harvard graduate and a Rhodes scholar who was one of several black academics who promoted African-American and African culture in the 1920s; Henry S. McAlpin, the first African-American to be accredited to attend White House press conferences.

Learn a new bit of history: In 1917 more than 200 blacks were killed in East St. Louis, Ill., by a white mob that invaded the black community. During the same year, 63 black soldiers in Houston were summarily court-martialed and 13 were hanged without benefit of appeal after a black battalion rioted in reaction to white harassment.

Our minds and our communal life are at their best when they are open. We are enriched by learning all we can about the people around us. Our nation grows when African-American history is taught in our schools, displayed in our libraries and honored in our culture – not just in February but throughout the year.

In February let the abundance of hearts everywhere remind you of the heart of black people in our nation. In your own heart remember to celebrate the dignity and worth of every person. Keep your heart full and open, pumping love.

The Rev. Elaine Beth Peresluha is minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor. She may be reached via bdnreligion@bangordailynews.net. Voices is a weekly commentary by five Maine columnists who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.