In 1926, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History dubbed the second week of February Negro History Week. The date was meant to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. In 1976, the week evolved into a month, and Black History Month was born. Each year, February is designated by the U.S. president as Black History Month. The long-held tradition aims to celebrate the achievements made by African Americans and to highlight the role Black people have played in America’s history.
Here are nine inspiring quotes by Black American leaders:
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Janusz T.
