Carter G. Woodson

Cárter G. Woodson (1875-1950) was a pioneering historian and educator who advanced the field of African American studies. Born to former slaves in Virginia, Woodson dedicated his life to documenting and illuminating the Negro's place in history.

In 1915, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History to promote historical research and scholarship. He also founded the Journal of Negro History in 1916, which helped popularize the serious study of African American history.

Woodson's most impactful achievement was founding Negro History Week in 1926, which later evolved into Black History Month. He believed teaching black history was essential to social progress and understanding between races.

As an author, Woodson published over a dozen influential books including The Negro in Our History (1922) and The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933). His writings explored topics like African civilizations before colonization, slavery's toll on black America, and racial progress post-Civil War.

Through his scholarly activism and prolific academic contributions, Woodson inserted African Americans into the national historical narrative. He pioneered the centrality of black history in school curriculums and public awareness. Woodson's efforts ignited wider appreciation for studying African American struggles and achievements that were long excluded. His legacy helped birth the modern field of black studies.