The Father of Black History
Carter Godwin Woodson (1875–1950) was an American historian, author, and journalist, widely regarded as the “father of Black history.” Born to formerly enslaved parents in New Canton, Virginia, Woodson overcame significant obstacles to pursue his education. After working in West Virginia coal mines to support his family, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Berea College and became the second African American to receive a PhD in history from Harvard University. Woodson dedicated his life to documenting and promoting the history of African Americans, challenging the erasure of Black contributions from mainstream historical narratives.
In 1915, Woodson 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 support research and scholarship on African American history. A year later, he launched The Journal of Negro History (now The Journal of African American History), a pioneering academic publication that provided a platform for Black scholars. Woodson believed that understanding Black history was essential to combating racism and fostering racial pride. His work laid the foundation for the field of African American studies and inspired generations of historians.
The Origin of Black History Month
Woodson’s most enduring legacy is the creation of Negro History Week in 1926, which later evolved into Black History Month. He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures central to African American history. Woodson envisioned the celebration as a way to highlight the contributions of Black people to American and world history, countering the pervasive myths of racial inferiority. Over time, Negro History Week gained widespread popularity, with schools, communities, and organizations hosting events to honor Black history.
Body of Work
A prolific writer, Woodson authored numerous books, including The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933), a seminal critique of the American education system’s failure to adequately teach Black history and culture. He argued that the omission of Black achievements from curricula perpetuated racial inequality and undermined the self-esteem of African Americans. Woodson also wrote The History of the Negro Church (1921) and The Negro in Our History (1922), which became essential texts for understanding African American history. His works emphasized the importance of self-education and the need for Black people to take ownership of their historical narrative.
Woodson’s commitment to Black history extended beyond academia. He founded Associated Publishers in 1920 to ensure the publication of books by and about African Americans, which mainstream publishers often ignored. He also created the Negro History Bulletin in 1937 to provide resources for educators teaching Black history. Woodson’s efforts to institutionalize the study of African American history were met with resistance from some contemporaries, who believed that Black history should not be treated as separate from American history. However, Woodson argued that a focused study of Black history was necessary to correct the omissions and distortions in mainstream historical accounts.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Woodson collaborated with prominent Black intellectuals and activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Arturo Schomburg, and Marcus Garvey. Although he initially supported Garvey’s Back-to-Africa movement, Woodson later distanced himself from Garvey due to his controversial alliances with groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Woodson’s work also brought him into conflict with some white philanthropists and scholars who sought to influence the direction of the ASALH. Despite these challenges, Woodson remained steadfast in his mission to elevate Black history and empower African Americans through knowledge of their past.
Legacy
Carter G. Woodson passed away in 1950, but his legacy endures. Black History Month, now celebrated annually in February, stands as a testament to his vision. Woodson’s home in Washington, D.C., has been preserved as a National Historic Site, and numerous awards, statues, and honors bear his name. His pioneering work continues to inspire scholars, educators, and activists to uncover and celebrate the rich history of African Americans, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and remembered.
