NATIONAL DARK CHOCOLATE DAY
On February 1st, National Dark Chocolate Day reminds us to indulge a little. Many tout dark chocolate as the healthier chocolate. However, for some, it can be an acquired taste. #NationalDarkChocolateDay
NATIONAL GET UP DAY
National Get Up Day on February 1st offers an opportunity to share inspiring stories of perseverance. The day reminds us to pick ourselves up when we've fallen and giving it (whatever it may be) another go! #GetUpDay
NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY
National Freedom Day, always observed on February 1st, celebrates freedom from slavery. It also recognizes that America is a symbol of liberty. The day honors the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865. It was not ratified by the states, however, until later on December 18, 1865. #NationalFreedomDay
NATIONAL BAKED ALASKA DAY
Ice cream and cake come together on February 1st in a celebration called National Baked Alaska Day. #NationalBakedAlaskaDay
NATIONAL TEXAS DAY
On February 1st, National Texas Day recognizes the Lone Star State along with its fierce record of independent people and history. The 28th state may not be the only state with a record of being a republic, but their dramatic revolution and fight for independence keep Texas history alive. #NationalTexasDay
NATIONAL SERPENT DAY
On February 1st, National Serpent Day gives snakes and serpents alike their slithering due. Across religions and cultures, the serpent has been used as a symbol of evil, medicine, fertility, and much more. #NATIONALSERPENTDAY
Coming on February 2, 2026
National Days
NATIONAL GROUNDHOG DAY
NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY
NATIONAL UKULELE DAY
NATIONAL HEAVENLY HASH DAY
Notable Birthdays for February 1
William Bowen Campbell (1807-1867) - Civil War Brigadier General for the Union Army.
Henry McNeal Turner (1833-1915) - The first Black Methodist Bishop in the U.S.
G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) - First psychologist to earn a doctorate in the U.S.
Hattie Wyatt Caraway (1878-1950) -The first black woman elected to U.S. Senate.
Bradbury Robinson (1884-1949) - Football player who threw the first forward pass during a game.
James P. Johnson (1894-1955) - Pianist who is considered a pioneer in ragtime jazz.
Leila Denmark (1898-2012) - Pediatrician who practiced until her death (103 years old).
Clark Gable (1901-1960) - Actor famously known for his role as Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind.
Gordon Hobday (1916-2015) - Co-developer of Penicillin and developer of Ibuprofen.
Garrett Morris (1937-Still Living) - The first Black cast member on Saturday Night Live.
Sherman Hemsley (1938-2012) - Actor who will always be remembered as the comedic character George Jefferson in The Jeffersons.
Jessica Savitch (1947-1983) - Pioneering female news anchor.
Rick James (1948-2004) - Singer of the hit song Super Freak.
Jani Lane (1964-2011) - Lead singer of the rock band Warrant.
Brandon Lee (1965-1993) - Actor and martial arts expert.
Meg Cabot (1967-Still Living) - Author well-known for writing The Princess Diaries.
Pauly Shore (1968-Still Living) - Actor and comedian who started in the 90s hit Encino Man.
Lisa Marie Presley (1968-2023) - Singer-songwriter and daughter of Elvis Presley.
Phil Ivey (1976-Still Living) - World poker champion.
Rachael Scdoris (1985-Still Living) - Legally blind dog musher who completed the Iditarod.
Memorable Events for February 1
1788 - Briggs & Longstreet receive the first steamboat patent in the U.S.
1790 - The U.S. Supreme Court convenes for first time.
1810 - The first insurance company (The African Insurance Company) managed by African Americans opens in PA.
1840 - Baltimore College of Dental Surgery begins.
1842 - The first adhesive postage stamps is issued in NY.
1843 - The Mutual Life Insurance Company opens in N.Y.
1865 - President Lincoln signs the Thirteenth Amendment.
1865 - JS Rock become the first Black lawyer to practice in the Supreme Court.
1871 - Jefferson Long (GA) becomes the Black to make an official speech in U.S. House of Reps.
1893 - Thomas Edison completes world's first movie studio.
1897 - The Travelers Insurance Company issues the first automobile insurance policy.
1906 - The first federal penitentiary is completed in Leavenworth (KS).
1942 - The U.S. Navy conducts Marshalls–Gilberts raids in the Pacific Theater.
1942 - The U.S. government begins broadcasting news (Voice of America).
1953 - Walter Cronkite's program You Are There premieres on CBS.
1960 - Four black students stage sit-ins at a lunch counter NC.
1964 - I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles) hits #1 in the U.S.
1972 - The first handheld calculator (HP-35) introduced to the public, selling for $395.
1978 - Harriet Tubman becomes the first Black women on a postage stamp.
