A great time to embrace our differences
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer
R-Missouri's 3rd District
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Every February since 1976, America has come together to celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of African Americans to our nation and its history.
It was originally just a one-week celebration during the second week of February to celebrate the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist who spoke about his first-hand experience as a former slave, and Abraham Lincoln who changed our nation forever by ending slavery with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
However, it became clear that more than a week was necessary to celebrate this rich history, and every president since 1976 has signed a declaration designating February “Black History Month.”