On July 6, 1854, a group determined to abolish slavery in America met to form the Republican Party. Within two years, Republicans unwilling to endure the pro-slavery platform of the Democratic Party nominated John C. Fremont as their presidential candidate. Fremont's slogan, "Free soil, Free Labor, Free Speech, Free Men, Fremont!" clearly highlighted the GOP's dedication to liberty for all Americans. Within four years, the nation would elect Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican president. As Lincoln pursued the principles of freedom for all, he sought the counsel of the great African American abolitionist, Frederick Douglass. The work of men like Frederick Douglass helped pave the way for Republican pioneers like Joseph H. Rainey and Hiram H. Revels, who in the early 1870s became the first African American members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate respectively. We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week (now Black History Month) because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the African American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.  During Black History Month, we salute our Republican forefathers and recognize that we continue to Stand on the Shoulders of these Republican Giants who paved the way for our continued success.