Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) was a pioneering African American historian, educator, and writer, best known as the 'Father of Black History.' Born in New Canton, Virginia, to formerly enslaved parents, Woodson faced significant economic and social barriers but remained committed to education. He worked as a coal miner and farmer to support his studies, eventually earning a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1912—becoming only the second African American to do so after W.E.B. Du Bois. Woodson believed that African American contributions were consistently ignored, distorted, or minimized in mainstream historical narratives. In response, he dedicated his life to correcting these omissions. In 1915, he co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH) to promote scholarly research and education about Black history. In 1926, Woodson launched Negro History Week, timed to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. This observance laid the groundwork for what would become Black History Month in 1976. He also founded The Journal of Negro History (now The Journal of African American History) and authored numerous influential works, including The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933), which remains a cornerstone text in African American studies. Carter G. Woodson's vision was not just about celebrating the past but empowering African Americans through historical awareness. He believed that a proper understanding of Black history was essential for racial uplift and equality. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for future generations of scholars and activists, ensuring that African American history would no longer be overlooked but recognized as a vital part of American and world history. Woodson's legacy continues to inspire the ongoing quest for educational equity and historical truth.