February is Black History Month, and I felt it my duty to acknowledge the contributions of an often overlooked African-American: Franklin from Peanuts.

While most of the Charles Schulz characters hogged the spotlight by carrying blankets, playing the piano or just being filthy, Franklin flew under the radar keeping it real.

Please take a moment to enjoy the fascinating, inspirational and controversial history of this ground-breaking Peanut.

- Franklin met Charlie Brown at the beach in 1968. They'd never met before because they went to different schools, but they had fun playing ball so Charlie Brown invited Franklin to visit him at his house across town for another play session.

- Later, Franklin turned up as center-fielder on Peppermint Patty's baseball team and sits in front of her at school.

- Franklin is thoughtful and can quote the Old Testament as effectively as Linus.

- He and Charlie Brown spend quite a bit of time talking about their respective grandfathers.

- According to the animated television special You're in the Super Bowl, Charlie Brown, Franklin's last name is Armstrong.

Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Fat Albert did cool stuff too, but Franklin, today is your day to shine.

The Sneeze salutes you.