Why February Was Chosen As Black History Month

Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation.

February was chosen primarily because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was influential in the emancipation of slaves, and Douglass, a former slave, was a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery (article available here). (Douglass' exact date of birth wasn't recorded, but he came to celebrate it on Feb. 14.)

For timely discussion of the importance of studying Black History, consider the following articles:

• Black History Month: What Is It and Why Do We Need It?
• Knowing the Past Opens the Door to the Future: The Continuing Importance of Black History Month
• What is Black History Month? Its Origins Are Important
• How Black Lives Matter Is Changing What Students Learn During Black History Month
• The US still does a wretched job of teaching Black history. An expert in African American history education explains how to fix it.
• Black Leaders You Should Know – an updated (though not exhaustive) list of current Black Leaders as compiled by DiversityBestPractices.com
• Books, Websites, and other Historical Materials and Guides on Black Health and Wellness
• Adjust Your Vocabulary – What does BIPOC Stand For?
• Get More Black Voices on Your Bookshelves – 20 Black History Month Books
• Follow Inspirational Black Instagram Influences 
• Follow Black LGBTQA+ Influencers
• Support Black Businesses
• Go to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History