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Who Was Carter G. Woodson?
Carter G. Woodson was a pioneering scholar and educator, recognized as the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University, following W.E.B. Du Bois. Often referred to as the “Father of Black History,” Woodson devoted his career to the study and promotion of African American history. He actively campaigned to establish Black History Month as a national observance, significantly contributing to the recognition and celebration of African American heritage. Woodson authored numerous influential works, including his seminal 1933 book, The Mis-Education of the Negro. He passed away in Washington, D.C., in 1950, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of history.
Early Life
Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia, to Anna Eliza Riddle Woodson and James Woodson. As the fourth of seven children, he experienced the challenges of poverty firsthand, often working as a sharecropper and miner to support his family. Woodson began his formal education in high school during his late teens, where he demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, completing a four-year course of study in less than two years. His early dedication to education laid the foundation for his future contributions to history and scholarship.
Higher Education and Harvard History
After attending Berea College in Kentucky, Carter G. Woodson served as an education superintendent for the U.S. government in the Philippines. Following his time abroad, he returned to the United States to further his education, ultimately earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Woodson achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a doctorate from Harvard University, becoming only the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from this esteemed institution, following W.E.B. Du Bois. Upon completing his studies, Woodson committed himself to the advancement of African American history.
Associations and Publications
In 1915, Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This organization aimed to elevate the contributions of African Americans in historical narratives. The following year, he established the Journal of Negro History and, in 1937, created the Negro History Bulletin to assist educators in teaching African American studies. In 1921, Woodson further contributed to the field by founding the African American-owned Associated Publishers Press.
In addition to his writing endeavors, Woodson held several prominent positions in academia. He served as the principal of the Armstrong Manual Training School in Washington, D.C., and later became a dean at Howard University and the West Virginia Collegiate Institute.
Mis-Education of the Negro and Other Books
Throughout his career, Woodson authored over a dozen books, with his most renowned work being The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933). This influential text critiques the Western indoctrination system and emphasizes African American self-empowerment, making it essential reading at numerous colleges and universities. Other notable works by Woodson include A Century of Negro Migration (1918), The History of the Negro Church (1921), and The Negro in Our History (1922). He also wrote educational materials aimed at elementary and secondary school students.
Creating Black History Month
Woodson advocated for a dedicated program to promote the study of African American history, leading to the establishment of Negro History Week in February 1926. This initiative was later expanded and rebranded as Black History Month. Woodson selected February to honor the birth months of both abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
Death and Legacy
Carter G. Woodson passed away on April 3, 1950, leaving behind a legacy of respect and recognition for his visionary contributions. His work continues to influence contemporary society, as Black History Month has become a significant cultural observance celebrated across various media, organizations, and educational institutions.
Woodson’s enduring impact is commemorated by the University of Virginia’s Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American and African Studies, as well as the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.