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Today, February 1, 2026, marks the beginning of Black History Month in the U.S. and Canada, a month-long, annual celebration established to recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The 2026 observance emphasizes education and ongoing efforts to protect the teaching of Black history amidst shifting political climates.

Key Events on February 1st in Black History:

Black History Month Begins: Initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as "Negro History Week" during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, it later expanded to the full month of February.

1865: Constitutional Amendment Passed: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Joint Resolution of Congress submitting the proposed 13th Amendment to the states, which abolished slavery.

1960: Greensboro Sit-ins: Although beginning on Feb 1, the sit-ins at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., gained momentum, sparking a massive, youth-led movement for civil rights.