Carter G. Woodson: The Father of Black History and Champion of African American Heritage
Carter G. Woodson, often called the "Father of Black History," was a visionary scholar whose dedication to documenting and celebrating African American achievements laid the foundation for Black History Month, officially recognized every February since 1976. Woodson believed that Black people should take pride in their history and that all Americans should learn about the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to society.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1875 in Virginia to formerly enslaved parents, Carter G. Woodson’s journey to becoming a renowned historian was marked by perseverance and determination. His early education was inconsistent as he worked on the family farm and later in the coal mines of West Virginia to support his family. However, his thirst for knowledge pushed him to self-educate, mastering basic school subjects by the age of 17. At 20, he entered high school and completed his diploma in less than two years, demonstrating his exceptional intellect and drive.
Woodson's academic journey continued with a bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Kentucky, after which he worked as a teacher and school principal. He also served as a school supervisor in the Philippines, gaining international experience. During this time, Woodson became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his commitment to fostering community and leadership among Black professionals and scholars.
Woodson pursued advanced education with unwavering focus, earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago in 1908. In 1912, he became only the second African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University, following W.E.B. Du Bois. He later joined the faculty at Howard University, where he served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, further cementing his role as a leader in education and history.
Advocating for Black History
Despite his academic success, Woodson faced systemic barriers, including being excluded from American Historical Association conferences despite paying dues as a member. He recognized that the historical contributions of African Americans were often ignored, misrepresented, or suppressed. Determined to change this, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915. The organization sought to promote the scientific study of African American history and culture. A year later, he launched the Journal of Negro History, providing a platform for Black scholars and their research. This publication continues today as the Journal of African American History.
In 1926, Woodson created Negro History Week to highlight the contributions of Black Americans. He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures deeply respected in African American communities. This celebration later expanded into Black History Month, recognized nationally since 1976.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout his life, Carter G. Woodson authored over 20 books, including the influential The Mis-Education of the Negro(1933), which critiqued the systemic erasure of Black history in American education. He also founded the Associated Publishers Press to ensure that Black voices and stories could be published without bias or suppression.
Woodson passed away in 1950, but his legacy endures as a cornerstone of African American history and culture. Every February, schools, organizations, and communities across the United States celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, fulfilling Woodson’s vision of fostering pride and awareness of African American heritage. His life’s work continues to inspire, as he famously declared, “Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.”
