Abraham Lincoln played a significant role in Black history as the 16th President of the United States during one of the country's most tumultuous periods. He is perhaps best known for his leadership during the Civil War, which ultimately led to the abolition of slavery.

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring all enslaved individuals in Confederate states to be forever free. While this did not immediately free all enslaved people, as it only applied to Confederate territories, it laid the foundation for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

In 1865, Lincoln helped pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. This was a monumental moment in Black history as it marked the end of centuries of legalized slavery in the country.

Despite his important role in ending slavery, Lincoln's views on race and equality were complex and evolved over time. While he believed in the abolition of slavery, he did not initially advocate for full social and political equality for Black Americans. However, his actions during his presidency laid the groundwork for progress towards racial equality in the United States.

Abraham Lincoln's legacy in Black history is complex, but his role in ending slavery and his contribution to the progress of civil rights in the United States cannot be denied.