February is Black History Month. This is a time when Americans come together to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans. 

February is also the month of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, our school’s namesake. As our 16th president, Lincoln played a huge role in navigating our country through one of the most divided times, the Civil War. During his presidency, on Jan. 1, 1863 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 

In the proclamation, Abraham Lincoln announced, “I do order that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious said designated states, and parts of states, are, and henceforward shall be free.” 

Lincoln acknowledged that a constitutional amendment had to follow the Emancipation Proclamation in order to end slavery. After the Civil War, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed by Congress on Jan. 31, 1865, and ratified on Dec. 6, 1865, which officially made slavery illegal in our country. 

Students of Lincoln (SOL), along with the Patriot Pride Committee created ‘Abe Week’ during the week of Feb. 12, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. 

“Because Abraham Lincoln was the President who freed the slaves, we wanted to honor him during his birth month with Black History Month dress-up week,” said LHS senior and member of SOL, Rubben Johnson. 

Students at LHS celebrated with special dress-up days starting Feb. 7: Tuesday was jersey day, Wednesday was decades day and Thursday students wore colors of Black History Month. Freshmen wore red, sophomores wore yellow, juniors wore black and seniors wore green. We wrapped up the week with Friday as school spirit day. 

On Thursday during lunch, ice cream sandwiches were sold for $1. During Ad Room on Friday, students had the opportunity to play Kahoot to learn more about Abraham Lincoln and African-American history. The winner in each Ad Room earned a cookie treat provided by the Patriot Pride Committee.

At LHS, we want to acknowledge that African-Americans play an important role in our country. We are incredibly grateful for what Abraham Lincoln did in fighting for human justice. We are thankful that he created the possibility of civil and social freedom for African-Americans.