Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in Black history as the 16th President of the United States during one of the most tumultuous times in American history - the Civil War. Lincoln is best known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared all enslaved individuals in Confederate states to be set free. While this executive order did not immediately free all slaves, it marked a significant step towards the abolition of slavery and ultimately led to the passage of the 13th Amendment, which officially outlawed slavery in the United States.

Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to end slavery have solidified his legacy as a figure of great importance in Black history. His actions and policies paved the way for African Americans to gain greater freedoms and opportunities in the years following the Civil War. Despite his complicated views on race and his initial primary goal of preserving the Union rather than abolishing slavery, Lincoln's impact on Black history cannot be overstated.