Black History Month

Today marked the first day of black history month. Black history month has been a month I have celebrated since I was in pre-school. Although there is an international aspect to Black History month, it is mainly an American holiday. Black history month started in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson who had been born to slaves. Both his parents were illiterate so Mr. Woodson had to work to help support his family. He started school later than most children but lived by motto "it is never to late to learn." He then became a high school teacher and was upset to learn that the students were not being taught about the history of Black Americans. He started the association for the Study of Negro Life and History to study the important things Black People accomplished and on February 19, 1926, Mr. Woodson established "Negro History Week." In the 1970s, the celebration of African American history was expanded to include the entire month of February. So as much as I can I will try to honor a person who made a point in Black History. Today I will Honor Carter G. Woodson.
These are the words of Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, distinguished Black author, editor, publisher, and historian (December 1875 - April 1950). Carter G. Woodson believed that Blacks should know their past in order to participate intelligently in the affairs in our country. He strongly believed that Black history - which others have tried so diligently to erase - is a firm foundation for young Black Americans to build on in order to become productive citizens of our society.
Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson holds an outstanding position in early 20th century American history. Woodson authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of Blacks to the development of America. He also published many magazine articles analyzing the contributions and role of Black Americans. He reached out to schools and the general public through the establishment of several key organizations and founded Negro History Week (precursor to Black History Month). His message was that Blacks should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.
Carter G. Woodson was born in New Canton, Buckingham County, Virginia, to former slaves Anne Eliza (Riddle) and James Henry Woodson. Although his parents could neither read nor write, Carter G. Woodson credits his father for influencing the course of his life. His father, he later wrote, insisted that "learning to accept insult, to compromise on principle, to mislead your fellow man, or to betray your people, is to lose your soul."