Carter G. Woodson, The Father of Black History Month

In an effort to share the importance of Black History, and how we as African Americans have contributed so much to the world, we will be blogging about our rich history.

To do this, today’s blog is about Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History. At the end of this blog, we will ask you a some thought-provoking questions.

Carter G. Woodson, an author, historian, journalist and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History was born, December 19, 1875.

It’s Never Too Late To Start

Having to help take care of his family, Carter didn’t start school until he was in his later teens, but he proved to be an excellent student.  

He would continue his education and earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago.  Later on, he received a doctorate of history from Howard University in 1912. 

He was the second African American to receive a doctorate.  W. E. B. Dubois was the first. 

He formed the Black-Owner Associate Publishers Press in 1921. 

Carter understood the importance of making our history known to all, he lobbied schools and organizations to participate in a special program that would do so. 

In February 1926, was the beginning of Negro History Week!  

Why February? 

He selected February for the initial week-long celebration to honor the birth months of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.  

In 1960, during the Civil Right’s Movement, the celebration of our African American history gained more attention.

Gerald Ford, in 1976, the president at that time, expanded the week-long celebration into Black History Month!

Gerald Ford extended the time to  “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

Determination Pays Off

In 1986, Congress would pass a law designating February at Black History Month!

Carter’s Other Accomplishments:

      Carter’s passion for African American history along with his desire for our rich history to be known was further proven.  In order to help educators teach African American studies, he created the Negro History Bulletin in 1937.

      The Carter G. Woodson Institute at the University of Virginia is named after him.

      The Dr. Carter G. Woodson, African American Museum in St. Petersburg, FL is named in his honor.

      He wrote more than a dozen books. His most notable one, The Mis-Education Of The Negro, (1933) has become required reading in a number of colleges and universities. 

Our questions for you: 

Why is it important that Black History be taught to not only African Americans but to all Americans?

Picture credit: NPS.gov