Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson: A Pioneer in African American History

Carter G. Woodson, often referred to as the “Father of Black History,” was a trailblazing historian and educator whose profound contributions to African American history continue to shape the field today. Born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia, Woodson was the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University, following W.E.B. Du Bois. His career was dedicated to advancing the study and recognition of African American history, and he played a pivotal role in establishing Black History Month as a nationwide observance. Woodson’s work as an author, historian, and educator left a lasting legacy, with his influential writings, including The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933), helping to challenge the racial prejudices of his time. He passed away in Washington, D.C., in 1950.

Early Life

Carter G. Woodson was born to Anna Eliza Riddle Woodson and James Woodson as the fourth of seven children. Growing up in a poor family, he worked as a sharecropper and miner to support his household. Despite the challenges, Woodson’s intellectual curiosity was evident from a young age. He began his formal education in his late teens, excelling academically. His remarkable academic aptitude enabled him to complete a four-year high school program in less than two years, showcasing his dedication and determination.

Higher Education and Harvard Achievements

Woodson attended Berea College in Kentucky before accepting a position as an education superintendent for the U.S. government in the Philippines. After gaining further international experience, he returned to the United States and continued his education, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago.

In 1912, Woodson made history by earning a doctorate from Harvard University, becoming only the second African American to achieve this distinction, after W.E.B. Du Bois. This achievement solidified his place as a prominent scholar and laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the study of African American history.

Associations and Publications

In 1915, Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which later became the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This organization was instrumental in advancing the recognition of African American contributions to history and culture. Woodson also established the Journal of Negro History in 1916, a publication dedicated to the scholarly exploration of African American history.

To support educators and students, Woodson launched the Negro History Bulletin in 1937, which provided resources for teaching African American history. In addition, he founded the Associated Publishers Press in 1921, an African American-owned publishing house that helped disseminate works on African American history and culture.

Throughout his career, Woodson held several key academic positions. He served as the principal of the Armstrong Manual Training School in Washington, D.C., before becoming a dean at Howard University and later at the West Virginia Collegiate Institute. His influence extended beyond his scholarly work, as he advocated for the inclusion of African American history in school curricula, aiming to instill pride and awareness among African American students.

Woodson’s efforts have had a profound and lasting impact on the field of African American history, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and activists dedicated to understanding and preserving the history of African Americans.

The Writings of Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson authored more than a dozen books during his distinguished career, with his most influential work being The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933). This seminal book critiques the Western education system’s role in shaping the identity and potential of African Americans and advocates for self-empowerment. The Mis-Education of the Negro has become an essential text in higher education, widely studied in universities and colleges across the nation.

In addition to his groundbreaking work on education, Woodson wrote A Century of Negro Migration (1918), The History of the Negro Church (1921), and The Negro in Our History (1922). He also created educational materials aimed at younger audiences, producing literature for elementary and secondary school students to deepen their understanding of African American history.

The Creation of Black History Month

Woodson’s dedication to advancing the study of African American history led him to spearhead an initiative in 1926 to promote the recognition of Black history. He launched Negro History Week, which took place in February to coincide with the birthdays of influential figures Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. This week-long celebration laid the groundwork for what would later become Black History Month, a nationwide observance that continues to honor and explore the contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Death and Legacy

Carter G. Woodson passed away on April 3, 1950, leaving behind an enduring legacy. He was widely respected for his intellectual contributions and vision, and his work continues to resonate through the national recognition of Black History Month, a cultural observance acknowledged by various media, institutions, and organizations.

Woodson’s legacy is further celebrated through institutions such as the University of Virginia’s Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American and African Studies, and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, ensuring that his work remains a vital part of the ongoing conversation about African American history and culture.