Abraham Lincoln: A Leader Who Changed History

I almost forgot to mention one of the most important figures in African American history. As I reflect on his impact, I want to share what I remember about him because he deserves to be recognized during Black History Month—not just on his birthday. Of course, his birthday is significant because if he hadn’t been born when he was, who knows how much longer slavery would have lasted?

So, happy birthday, President Lincoln! And thank you for having the courage to change history.

When we think about great leaders, Abraham Lincoln is a name that always stands out. He wasn’t just a president—he was a man of deep conviction, wisdom, and courage. And perhaps the most defining moment of his leadership was his role in ending slavery in the United States.

Lincoln became the 16th president at one of the most challenging times in American history. The country was on the brink of collapse, deeply divided over the issue of slavery. The Southern states, unwilling to give up their way of life, had seceded from the Union, and the Civil War was raging. Lincoln knew he had to act—not just to save the Union but to fight for the moral principle that all people should be free.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, was his bold step in this fight. While it didn’t immediately free all enslaved people, it changed the course of history. It made it clear that the war wasn’t just about preserving the Union—it was about ending slavery once and for all. This move also paved the way for the 13th Amendment, which officially abolished slavery in 1865.

What made Lincoln an exceptional leader wasn’t just his decisions, but the way he made them. He was thoughtful, patient, and strategic. He knew that changing the nation’s course wouldn’t happen overnight, but he also refused to back down from what was right. He surrounded himself with people who challenged him, listened to different perspectives, and always put the country first.

Lincoln’s leadership reminds us that true change requires vision, persistence, and moral courage. He didn’t take the easy road—he took the right road, even when it came with immense challenges. Because of his unwavering belief in freedom and equality, millions of African Americans were finally given the chance to live as free citizens.

His legacy lives on, reminding us that leadership isn’t just about power—it’s about using that power to uplift others, fight injustice, and shape a better future.