Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) was an American historian, author, and journalist, widely known as the “Father of Black History.” He played a crucial role in the documentation and celebration of African American history and culture.
Key Contributions:
- Founded Negro History Week (1926) – This later became Black History Month in 1976.
- Co-founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) (1915) – A key organization for preserving Black history.
- Wrote “The Mis-Education of the Negro” (1933) – A landmark book criticizing the lack of Black history in education and encouraging self-reliance.
- First African American of former slave parentage to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University (1912).
- Worked to include Black history in school curriculums – He believed that African Americans needed to know their own history to uplift their communities.
Legacy:
- His work laid the foundation for modern African American studies.
- Black History Month is celebrated in his honor every February.
- Schools, institutions, and awards are named after him.
