Black History Month, or African American History Month, started as a week-long celebration in the US in schools and churches in 1926, sponsored by an Association of Black History. The week was chosen because of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 and Frederick Douglass’s birthday on February 14; Black communities had celebrated these dates together since the late 19th century. The popularity of this celebration spread over the years, until it was recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976 as a month-long celebration. Since then, the United Kingdom also added Black History Month, which they observe in October. Germany and Canada also celebrate Black History Month in February.
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