Black History Month was first celebrated around the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln & this contemporary who died in 1895

On the February 10, 2026 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “The Calendar”, a topic that often blends history, tradition, and cultural observation. The clue offered was a historically grounded one:

“Black History Month was first celebrated around the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln & this contemporary who died in 1895.”

This clue pointed toward the origins of a significant cultural observance in the United States, challenging contestants to connect key historical figures with the calendar’s placement of Black History Month.

Who is Frederick Douglass?

The correct response to the clue was: Who is Frederick Douglass?

This answer reflects a deep historical connection. Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist, writer, and orator, died in 1895 and is believed to have been born in February—though the exact date was never officially recorded. Douglass chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14, a date he associated with affection and new beginnings, and one that many African Americans adopted as a symbolic date of his birth. Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, was already widely recognized, especially in African American communities. The proximity of their birthdays played a pivotal role in the original timing of what was then “Negro History Week.”

The Roots of Black History Month

The celebration of Black history began as an initiative by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. He established “Negro History Week” during the second week of February to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans in U.S. history. The week was deliberately chosen to coincide with the birthdays of both Lincoln and Douglass, figures deeply admired in Black communities for their roles in emancipation and civil rights.

Lincoln’s role as the president who issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 placed him firmly in the collective memory of African Americans as a symbol of freedom. Douglass, who escaped slavery and became a leading voice for abolition and equality, represented the struggle and resilience of Black Americans. Their combined recognition created a powerful foundation for the observance, linking political leadership with grassroots activism.

Expansion from a Week to a Month

By the 1970s, the momentum behind Black cultural and historical education had grown substantially. In 1976, during the U.S. bicentennial, “Negro History Week” was expanded to Black History Month, and officially recognized by the federal government. The month of February remained the chosen time, in continued honor of Lincoln and Douglass.

While some questioned why a single month—particularly the shortest one—was chosen, the decision was rooted in tradition rather than any perceived slight. The focus of the observance shifted over the years, encompassing a broader spectrum of achievements, struggles, and contributions made by African Americans across centuries of U.S. history.

Understanding the Historical Context of the Clue

The Final Jeopardy clue subtly pointed toward a deeper cultural and historical truth: the observance of Black History Month is not arbitrary but intimately tied to figures whose lives and legacies shaped the trajectory of American freedom and civil rights. Recognizing the shared time frame of Lincoln and Douglass’s birthdays illustrates how commemorative dates are often chosen with symbolic intent, aligning national memory with historical narrative.

The clue required contestants not only to recall a notable historical figure who died in 1895, but to understand the cultural reasoning behind the timing of Black History Month. It was a challenge that balanced historical knowledge with awareness of how collective memory is shaped by figures like Frederick Douglass—whose contributions continue to resonate through ongoing recognition and education.

A Clue Rooted in Legacy

February’s role in Black History Month is more than a matter of convenience. It’s a deliberate, meaningful choice that honors individuals like Douglass and Lincoln, whose lives converged in their dedication to justice and freedom. Jeopardy’s Final Jeopardy clue for February 10, 2026, served not only as a test of historical recall but as a reminder of how dates on the calendar can carry powerful echoes of past struggles and enduring ideals.

This thoughtful clue underscores the depth that can exist in a well-phrased trivia question. It highlights how historical knowledge continues to matter—and how individuals like Frederick Douglass remain central to understanding the full scope of America’s story.