CARTER G. WOODSON
December 19, 1895 – April 3, 1950
By Korey Bowers Brown
During the dawning decades of the twentieth century, it was commonly presumed that black people had little history besides the subjugation of slavery. Today, it is clear that blacks have significantly impacted the development of the social, political, and economic structures of the United States and the world. Credit for the evolving awareness ofthe true place of blacks in history can, in large part, be bestowed on one man, Carter G. Woodson. And, his brainchild the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. is continuing Woodson’s tradition of disseminating information about black life, history and culture to the global community.
Known as the “Father of Black History,” Woodson (1875-1950) was the son of former slaves, and understood how important gaining a proper education is when striving to secure and make the most out of one’s divine right of freedom. Although he did not begin his formal education until he was [almost] 20 years old, his dedication to study enabled him to earn a high school diploma in West Virginia, his first undergraduate degree from Berea College in Kentucky, and bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago in just a few years. In 1912, Woodson became the second African American to earn a PhD at Harvard University.
Recognizing the dearth of information on the accomplishments of blacks in 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Under Woodson’s pioneering leadership, the Association created research and publication outlets for black scholars with the establishment of the Journal of Negro History (1916) and the Negro History Bulletin (1937), which garners a popular public appeal.
In 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week, which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, this celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February, and today Black History Month garners support throughout the country as people of all ethnic and social backgrounds discuss the black experience. ASALH views the promotion of Black History Month as one of the most important components of advancing Dr.Woodson’s legacy.
In honor of all the work that Dr. Carter G. Woodson has done to promote the study of African American History, an ornament of Woodson hangs on the White House’s Christmas tree each year.
FAQs
Recognizing the dearth of information on the accomplishments of blacks in 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Who are the founders of Black History Month? ›
Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.
What is the theme for Asalh 2024? ›
2024 THEME. African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences.
What does asalah stand for? ›
The meaning of Asalah is : Purity, Purity, Nobility of descent.
What is the mission of the Asalh? ›
Du Bois called, “The Kingdom of Culture.” ASALH's mission is to create and disseminate knowledge about Black History, to be, in short, the nexus between the Ivory Tower and the global public. We labor in the service of Blacks and all humanity.
What does asnlh stand for? ›
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, Alexander L. Jackson, William B. Hartgrove, George Cleveland Hall, and James E. Stamps as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
What is the 2024 theme of Black History Month? ›
2024 | African Americans and the Arts
The theme for Black History Month 2024 focuses on “African Americans and the Arts”.
Why was Black History Month created? ›
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
What is the theme for Black History Month 2025? ›
The theme, “African Americans and Labor,” intends to encourage broad reflections on intersections between Black people's work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes, and events in Black history and culture across time and space and throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.
Who were the presidents of the Asalh? ›
Bethune and John Hope, Charles Wesley, William Harris, and Samuel DuBois Cook each served as university presidents. * John R. Hawkins, our third president, served as head of Kittrell College in North Carolina in 1886.
Historical and Archival Collections, Publishing, and Materials Development ASALH publishes quarterly The Journal of African American History (formerly The Journal of Negro History), edited since 2001 by V.P. Franklin. Founded in 1916, the Journal is the oldest professional journal by and about African Americans.
What is asnlh known as today? ›
The ASNLH was an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent and today is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
What does aslah stand for? ›
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is a learned society dedicated to the study and appreciation of African-American History.
What prompted Dr. Woodson to establish the ASNLH? ›
Inspired by the three-week celebration, Woodson decided to form an organization to promote the scientific study of black life and history before leaving town. On September 9th, Woodson met at the Wabash YMCA with A. L. Jackson and three others and formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
