February 12th is Darwin Day, celebrating the birthday of the man who did more for our understanding of biology than practically any other person. My birthday is Feb. 12th as well, and I am pretty happy to share a birthday with Lincoln and Darwin. In fact, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were born on the exact same day in 1809...though I was born much later. What some may not know is that the Darwin family were firm abolitionists, opposing the British slave trade. From the above link:

For those of us celebrating science and humanity it is of interest to note that Darwin, as well as both his paternal and maternal grandparents, Erasmus and Mary Darwin, and Josiah and Sarah Wedgwood, were also opposed to slavery that was so prevalent in the British West Indies at that time. In fact, Josiah Wedgwood designed and manufactured an antislavery medallion that was used in the campaigns against slavery in both England and America (see below). Benjamin Franklin, who was acquainted with both Erasmus Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood through his 'corresponding membership' in the Lunar Society, was given a medallion while he was in England, and when he returned to Philadelphia received a shipment of these medallions for use in the American antislavery movement.

E'en now in Afric's groves with hideous yell
Fierce Slavery stalks, and slips the dogs of hell;
Hear him, ye Senates! hear this truth sublime,
'HE, WHO ALLOWS OPPRESSION, SHARES THE CRIME'

- Erasmus Darwin [Charles Darwin's grandfather]

Around the world it has become a tradition to celebrate Darwin Day by celebrating science and humanity. You can find events in your area here.

So on February 12th, celebrate science, humanity and the birthday of two great men. For those who want to make a meaningful donation in honor of Darwin's birthday, I recommend the National Center for Science Education. For those who want to make a meaningful donation in honor of Lincoln's birthday, I recommend the NAACP Voter Fund.