Known as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson holds an outstanding position in early 20th century American history. Woodson authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of Blacks to the development of America. He also published many magazine articles analyzing the contributions and role of Black Americans. He reached out to schools and the general public through the establishment of several key organizations and founded Negro History Week (precursor to Black History Month). His message was that Blacks should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson was one of the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which promoted what was commonly known as Negro history (now commonly known as Black history) through school, church, and fraternal group activities. After diligent study and writing on Black history, in 1926 Woodson inaugurated Negro History Week in Chicago at the Wabash YMCA. Negro History Week led to the celebration of Black History Month in the United States. Woodson became known among his people as the Father of Black History.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Carter G. Woodson was born in New Canton, Buckingham County, Virginia, to former slaves Anne Eliza (Riddle) and James Henry Woodson. Although his parents could neither read nor write, Carter G. Woodson credits his father for influencing the course of his life. His father, he later wrote, insisted that “learning to accept insult, to compromise on principle, to mislead your fellow man, or to betray your people, is to lose your soul.”
image from http://www.blackhistoryheroes.com
Excerpt from http://www.history.com and http://www.blackhistoryheroes.com
