Abraham Lincoln played a significant role in Black history through his leadership during the American Civil War and his efforts to abolish slavery in the United States. As the 16th President of the United States, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which declared that all enslaved individuals in Confederate territory were to be set free.

While the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free all enslaved individuals, it signaled a turning point in the war and paved the way for the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which officially abolished slavery throughout the nation.

Lincoln's legacy in Black history is complex, as he faced criticism both during his time and in modern times for his approach to issues of race and equality. However, his actions to end slavery and preserve the Union had a lasting impact on the trajectory of Black Americans in the United States. Lincoln's leadership during a tumultuous period in American history solidifies his place as an important figure in Black history.