Carter G. Woodson: The Father Of Black History

Carter G. Woodson, often referred to as the "Father of Black History," was a remarkable figure whose contributions to African American history have left a lasting impact on education and culture. Born in 1875 in New Canton, Virginia, Woodson dedicated his life to the study and promotion of African American history. He was the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University, following W.E.B. Du Bois. His tireless efforts led to the establishment of Black History Month, making the study of African American achievements a significant part of American culture.

Who Was Carter G. Woodson?

Carter G. Woodson was a pioneering African American historian and educator. Known for his influential works, including the seminal book The Mis-Education of the Negro, he highlighted the importance of understanding African American history and its contributions to American society. Woodson believed that a lack of knowledge about one’s history could lead to a diminished sense of identity and purpose. His advocacy for Black History Month was a significant step in promoting the importance of African American culture and history in educational institutions across the United States.

Early Life

Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia. His parents, Anna Eliza Riddle Woodson and James Woodson, were former slaves who instilled in him the value of education. Growing up as the fourth of seven children, young Woodson faced numerous challenges, including poverty. To help support his family, he worked as a sharecropper and a miner. Despite these difficulties, he demonstrated exceptional academic talent, completing a four-year high school course in less than two years.

Higher Education and Harvard History

Woodson's quest for knowledge led him to Berea College in Kentucky, where he began his higher education journey. Afterward, he worked as an education superintendent for the U.S. government in the Philippines. His travels broadened his perspective before he returned to the United States to continue his studies. Woodson earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago and went on to receive his doctorate from Harvard University in 1912, becoming only the second African American to achieve this esteemed qualification.

Associations and Publications

In 1915, Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which aimed to highlight the contributions of African Americans throughout history. This organization later evolved into the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Additionally, in 1916, he launched the Journal of Negro History to provide a platform for scholarly research on African American history. He also established the Negro History Bulletin in 1937, which served as a resource for teachers and students alike.

'Mis-Education of the Negro' and Other Books

Woodson authored over a dozen books during his lifetime, with The Mis-Education of the Negro being the most notable. In this influential work, he critiqued the educational system for its failure to teach African Americans about their heritage. The book has become a staple in many educational institutions, emphasizing the need for an accurate representation of African American history. Other significant works include A Century of Negro Migration (1918) and The Negro in Our History (1922).

Creating Black History Month

In February 1926, Woodson initiated Negro History Week to promote the study of African American history in schools and communities. He strategically chose February to honor the birthdays of two influential figures: abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. The success of this week-long celebration eventually led to the expansion and establishment of Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Death and Legacy

Carter G. Woodson passed away on April 3, 1950, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence American culture and education. His vision for the importance of African American history has been recognized and celebrated through various initiatives and institutions, including the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American and African Studies at the University of Virginia. Today, Black History Month stands as a testament to his dedication to promoting the history and achievements of African Americans.

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