National Black History Month

National Black History Month, also known as National African-American History Month, during February is a time for all Americans to celebrate the achievements of African Americans, reports the National Day Calendar. In addition, the month recognizes the central role of Black Americans in history.  February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and noted civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass.  African-Americans have impacted our society throughout history and in numerous ways.  Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court.  As a man of science, George Washington Carver developed over 300 products from peanuts.  In 1968, New York’s 12th congressional district elected Shirley Chisholm as the first Black woman in Congress. She served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights advocate helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.  As a talented musician and performer, Louis Armstrong became a pioneer in jazz. Colin Powell, the 4-star General, became Secretary of State.  Americans elected Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States in 2009. He served two terms.