While it started out as being one week, over time it got extended to the whole month. More on that reason later.
So why February? It was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, and Fredercik Douglass. President Lincoln of course, the 16th US president, paved the way for the abolition of slavery with his Emancipation Proclamation. Douglass was an escaped slave turned activist, and author, and a prominent leader in the abolisitonsist movment to end slavery, according to frontrange.edu.
In 1960, the Civil Rights movement helped elevate Negro History week to national prominence and turn it into a month long celebration. As a result, in 1976 President Gerald Ford made things official, proclaiming February to be honored and recognized as Black History Month.
You don’t have to look far to see the many impressive achievements of black men and women in the fields of science, politics, law, sports, entertainment and many others. Here are just some of the most notable names you’ll want to celebrate this month:
Be inspired, grateful and respectful for all these amazing folks from our history.