President Trump on Friday said he is “honored” to recognize February as Black History Month and that “black Americans have been among our country’s most consequential leaders.”

“American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, and countless others represent what is best in America and her citizens,” Trump said in a statement. 

Black History Month celebrates the achievements of Black Americans and the contributions they have made to American society. Created by Carter G. Woodson, the month originally began as Black History Week and was scheduled around President Lincoln’s birthday. 

This year’s Black History Month theme, determined each year by the Association for the Study of Life and History, is African Americans and Labor. 

Trump on Friday said that he would like to extend his “tremendous gratitude” to Black Americans for “all they have done to bring us to this moment” and any future contributions.  

“Their achievements, which have monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country, continue to serve as an inspiration for all Americans,” Trump said.  

“We will also never forget the achievements of American greats like Tiger Woods, who have pushed the boundaries of excellence in their respective fields, paving the way for others to follow,” he added.