Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson, born on December nineteenth, eighteen seventy-five, was a pioneering American historian, journalist, and author who made significant contributions to the study of African American history. As the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), he was instrumental in elevating the narrative of the Black African diaspora in the United States. His groundbreaking work led to the establishment of The Journal of Negro History in nineteen sixteen, earning him the title of the 'father of Black history.'

Woodson's commitment to recognizing and celebrating Black history culminated in February nineteen twenty-six when he launched 'Negro History Week,' which later evolved into Black History Month. His efforts were pivotal in the Afrocentrism movement, emphasizing the importance of placing individuals of Sub-Saharan African descent at the forefront of historical study and the broader human experience.

Born in Virginia to former slaves, Woodson faced significant challenges in his early education, working in the coal mines of West Virginia before pursuing his academic dreams. He graduated from Berea College and went on to become a teacher and school administrator. His academic journey continued at the University of Chicago, where he earned graduate degrees, and he became the second African American, following W. E. B. Du Bois, to obtain a PhD from Harvard University. Remarkably, he is the only individual whose parents were enslaved in the United States to achieve a PhD in history.

Despite being largely excluded from the predominantly white academic history profession, Woodson recognized the necessity of creating structures that support scholarship in Black history and empower Black historians. He dedicated much of his career to teaching at historically Black colleges, including Howard University and West Virginia State University, while also managing the ASALH, engaging in public speaking, and contributing to writing and publishing.