February is Black History Month!
Why it matters: Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Also known as African American History Month, the event was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans and was originally designated as one week in February
Did You Know: The 2nd week in February was originally chosen as the celebration to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively.
President Gerald Ford was the first U.S. president to designate the entire month to Black History
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month
Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history
Learn More: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month