Yesterday began Black History Month and it was created in 1926. Historian Carter G. Woodson announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week". This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14, both of which dates, black communities had celebrated together since the late 19th century. It became a month in February 1976. The primary emphasis was placed on encouraging the teaching of the history of African Americans in the nation's public schools.
