The father of black history
The father of black history
 |
| The father of black history |
The father of black history is a title often given to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an
African American historian, author, and journalist who dedicated his life to
promoting the study of African American history. Dr. Woodson was born on
December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia, and grew up in poverty. Despite
these challenges, he was a gifted student who excelled academically, eventually
earning a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1912.
Dr. Woodson was passionate about preserving and promoting the history and
achievements of African Americans, who had long been marginalized and excluded
from mainstream historical narratives. In 1915, he founded the Association for
the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to promote the study of black
history and culture. The ASNLH later became the Association for the Study of
African American Life and History (ASALH), which is still active today.
One of Dr. Woodson's most significant contributions to
the study of African American history was the establishment of Negro History
Week, which was first celebrated in February 1926. This week-long event was
designed to raise awareness of the contributions of African Americans to
American history and culture. It was later expanded to become Black History
Month, which is now celebrated annually in February.
Dr. Woodson was also a prolific writer and author, and he published many
books and articles on African American history and culture. His most famous
work is "The Mis-Education of the Negro," published in 1933, in which
he argues that the American education system had failed to provide African
American students with a proper education and a sense of their own history and
culture.
Despite his significant contributions to the study of African
American history, Dr. Woodson faced many challenges and obstacles during
his lifetime. He struggled to gain recognition and funding for his work, and he
faced criticism and opposition from many quarters. Nevertheless, he persisted
in his efforts to promote the study of black history, and his legacy continues
to inspire and inform scholars and activists today.
In conclusion, Dr. Carter G. Woodson is widely
regarded as the father of black history for his pioneering work in promoting
the study of African American history and culture. His establishment of Negro
History Week and his many publications have had a lasting impact on the field
of African American studies, and his legacy continues to inspire and inform
scholars and activists today.
Post a Comment