Black History Month & Carter G. Woodson
Do you recognize this name, we all should, he is considered a pioneer in the study of African-American history. Appropriately, he is known as an American historian. Born in Virginia in 1875, he was the son of former slaves. Obviously a strong individual, he progressed earning a BA degree from the University of Chicago in 1907 and his PhD from Harvard University in 1912.
“Those that do not learn history are bound to repeat it.”, this is a paraphrase of a quote that can be attributed to a couple of people, most notably to George Santayana and Winston Churchill. This is a powerful and true statement, and we should be grateful that Dr. Woodson recognized another important element, of acknowledgement. Acknowledgement of what was right, wrong and to preserve history. If we are to grow and move forward we have to acknowledge what was done, accept our awards when we have done well and make recompense when we are wrong.
The value that Dr. Woodson’s life work provides is immeasurable and he has provided specific attention to black contributions to civilization. There are many publications to Dr. Woodson’s name and we should search these out and educate ourselves further. Some of his writings can be found through The Journal of Negro History and he also founded Associated Publishers when other publishers were unwilling to publish his work.
Know your past to participate in our society. Know where you come from and build on that foundation. Below are links that will provide some additional facts and connections to the life and works of Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
RESOURCES
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carter-G-Woodson
https://woodsonmuseum.org/about-us/
https://www.naacp.org/naacp-history-carter-g-woodson/