Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions people of African heritage have made for the world. It is also a time to reflect on our sad history of prejudice and slavery and to advocate for equal rights for all.

In 1926, African-American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson advocated for the observance of Negro History Week during the 2nd week in February because it marks the birthdays of two Americans who greatly helped African Americans win freedom and justice in America -- Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. During the bicentennial celebration in 1976, Black History Week was expanded to the entire month and Black History Month has been observed every February since then.

February marks the observance of many other important milestones in African-American history. On February 1, 1865, Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. The 15th Amendment, granting black men the right to vote was adopted on February 3, 1870; on February 12, 1909 the NAACP was founded; and on February 25, 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first black US Senator, took the oath of office.

February is the birth month of many Black BetterWorld Heroes: Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902; Rosa Parks on February 4, 1913; Bob Marley on February 6, 1945; Alice Walker on February 9, 1944; Richard Allen on February 14, 1766; Frederick Douglass on February 14, 1818; John R. Lewis on February 21, 1940; and W. E. B. Dubois on February 23, 1868.

In the UK, Black History Month is celebrated in October.