In 1926, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson instituted the first week-long celebration to raise awareness of African Americans' contributions to history. 50 years later, the week became Black History Month, with then-President Gerald Ford urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” February was chosen because it celebrates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom dramatically affected the lives of African Americans. Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) was a writer, lecturer, editor, and civil rights activist who escaped slavery at age 21, campaigned for abolition, established a newspaper and became a major voice in the anti-slavery/civil rights movement of his time. Abraham Lincoln (born February 12, 1809), as the 16th President of the United States, issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH) founded by Dr. Woodson, sets the theme for the month.

Sources: ASALH and National Today