Black history month honours the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history.

The celebrations began as "Negro History Week," created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. In 1976, it became a month-long celebration. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

• Eminent Scientist: George Washington Carver developed 300 derivative products from peanuts, including cheese, milk, coffee, flour, ink, dyes, plastics, wood stains, soap, linoleum, medicinal oils, and cosmetics.
• Self-Made Millionaire: Madam C.J. Wa...