President Abraham Lincoln played a significant role in Black history with his leadership during the Civil War and his actions to abolish slavery in the United States. In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all enslaved individuals in Confederate states to be free. While this did not immediately end slavery, it was a crucial step towards its ultimate abolition.

Lincoln also supported the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which officially abolished slavery in the United States when it was ratified in 1865. He believed that emancipation was essential for the preservation of the Union and the ideals of freedom and equality upon which the nation was founded.

Lincoln's legacy in Black history is mixed, as he faced criticism for his evolving views on race and his approach to issues of racial equality. However, his actions to end slavery and his leadership during a critical period in American history cement his place as a significant figure in the struggle for Black freedom and civil rights.