Although most people know that February is the month that celebrates Black history, but do you know why February was chosen?

February was selected by a man named Carter Goodwin Woodson, who was a noted historian and publisher, and who was a pioneer in American Black history.He selected February for several reasons, in that this month has an enormous significance in Black American history. First it is in celebration of two historical figures who had a great impact on the Black population. They are Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Other noteworthy persons whereby the month of February is significant are:

W.E.B. Dubois, who was born on February 23, 1868, and who was a Civil Rights leader and co-founder of the N.A.A.C.P.

The 15^th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed on February 3, 1870 which gave Blacks the right to vote.

The first Black senator, Hiriam R. Revels took office on February 25, 1870.

The N.A.A.C.P. (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was founded in New York City of February 12, 1909, and

Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism was shot and killed by Black Muslims on February 21, 1965.

To learn more about important figures to and in Black history, check out:

Harriet Tubman, an outstanding lady who worked tirelessly on the Underground Railway.

Harriet Tubman

Frederick Douglass, the life of the former slave, abolitionist and journalist, who emerged as a major anti slavery force, and supporter of women's rights, and who was an outstanding orator and writer.

Frederick Douglass

Before Dred Scott, a lady by the name of Mum Bett sued for her freedom in 1781. Learn all about her here.

In 1822, a man named Denmark Vesey planned a slave uprising in Charleston, South Carolina. Was his plan successful? Learn about the man and his plan here.

Dred Scott was a black slave from Virginia, who ended up in Missouri, and who made legal and constitutional history by suing for his freedom. Here you can learn about Dred Scott, his case that went before the United States Supreme Court in may 1857, and the Missouri Compromise.

Important to Black History is the story of John Brown. This abolitionist and fanatical anti slavery fighter led a famous raid on Harpers Ferry, and who became a martyr in parts of the North. Included here is Brown's last speech before he was led to the gallows.