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.

What is black history month?