It’s impossible to celebrate Black History Month without highlighting the accomplishments of a Waco man who went above and beyond the call of duty to defend our country. Doris Miller was the first African-American recipient of the Navy Cross — for his display of extraordinary bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor – but his story goes much deeper than one moment of bravery.

CBS Chicago highlights stories that celebrate the theme for Black History Month 2025: African Americans and labor.

Typically, Black History Month is flooded with small history lessons, remembering our ancestors and prominent leaders as well as acknowledging the Black firsts of every category of life. However, what made this month special were the series of events that occurred that shined a light on how brilliant (and gangsta) the Black community is.