February 7, 1926 The first day of Negro History Week, originated by historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The week was later expanded and renamed Black History Month to celebrate important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in February in the United States and Canada and in October in the United Kingdom.
