Editor’s note: After a week filled with tragedy, we thought we would try to give you a reason to smile by republishing two articles that will give you hope.

First, young artists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee are celebrating Black History Month by expressing their creativity and paying homage to their heroes.

Students created artworks of influential African Americans, including historical figures, world leaders, athletes and celebrities. This is the fourth annual Black History Month Art Contest sponsored by U.S. Cellular.

And we know Valentine’s Day is over, but for these couples, love is ever present.

In case you missed it:

•An NNS Valentine’s Day: ‘We never would have met each other if we weren’t in these organizations’: Activism is a common thread for South Side couple

•An NNS Valentine’s Day: ‘There are no separate lives for us’: Love and service go together for North Side couple