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Dr. Carter G. Woodson's Association for the Study of
Negro Life and History first designated Negro History Week on Feb.
12, 1926. The date was chosen to acknowledge the birthdays of
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States who helped
abolish slavery, and Frederick Douglass, a leader in the
abolitionist movement |
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In 1976, President Gerald Ford issued the first Message
on the Observance of Black History Month to "recognize the important
contribution made to our nation's life and culture by black
citizens." |
National Black (Afro-American)
History Month
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In 1986, Congress designated February as National Black (Afro-American)
History Month, noting that Feb. 1, 1986, marked "the beginning of
the sixtieth annual public and private salute to Black History." |
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National African American History Month is celebrated across the
country in many different ways. Major cities have individual
celebrations, and schools dedicate areas of study to
African-American history. |
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