Dr. Carter G. Woodson: Honoring the Father of Black History

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Deserves Honor

A Life of Selfless Dedication & Service 

Dr. Carter G. Woodson is a historical leader worthy of honor. Dr. Woodson’s life exemplifies living in selfless dedication and service to others. 

But what’s the motivation behind such exemplary character?  How can we build upon the labor and foundation his efforts set?

Below, you’ll learn about Dr. Woodson’s background, life mission, and why many call him the “Father of Black History.” You’ll also discover how African Americans alive today can emulate Woodson’s efforts to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Origins of Dr. Carter G. Woodson

The Son of Former Slaves 

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia. He is the fourth of nine children belonging to Anna Eliza Woodson and James Woodson.

The Woodsons were former slaves from Virginia striving to use their newfound freedom to create a better life for their family. Along with being a former slave, James Woodson was also a Black Civil War Veteran.

The Civil War Veteran and his wife moved to the Ohio River area (now Huntington, West Virginia) in 1870. While there, he provides for his family by completing the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad and building up Huntington.

While James’s skills benefit Huntington, unsanitary conditions made the area uninhabitable for his family. Consequently, the Woodson family returns to Virginia the year before Dr. Woodson’s birth.

Back in Virginia, James provides for his family by working as a carpenter, laying the foundation for homes. Dr. Woodson praises James for the foundation he laid in his life through his character. Though illiterate, James’s intellect prevents him from supplementing family income by hiring out his children as laborers.

His intellect also teaches Dr. Woodson to approach life with dignity and self-respect. James exhibits these values by choosing not to enter anyone’s home through the back door.  James takes this adverse approach, believing it was more honorable than living as a menial. This is an example of what it looks like for a son to find life in his father’s wise words.             

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Inspired to Learn and Teach  

Dr. Woodson reciprocates his father’s wisdom by reading to him. He also helps support their family by working as a farmer. His reading ability is fascinating because he could attend school only on rainy or snowy days.

However, being absent from school did not hinder his willingness to learn. In fact, it proves he inherited his father’s intellect, being largely self-taught and often finishing his class work early. 

Being an intelligent and diligent worker gave Dr. Woodson the chance to misbehave while waiting for his classmates to finish their work. Unfortunately, he learned at an early age that intellect is no excuse for acting up. His actions meant getting whipped by his teacher and father.

Despite his antics at school, the young Dr. Woodson was an obedient, dutiful son. So how does the dutiful son of former slaves find the inspiration to fulfill his destiny?

For Dr. Carter G.Woodson, inspiration came from two sources. The first was a story in the McGuffey Reader where he learned about the fates of George Jones and Charles Bullard. The story helped him follow Charles’ path, who was successful because he took his studies seriously, unlike George.

Another inspiration was Oliver Jones, an illiterate coal miner and Civil War Veteran who managed a tea room. Carter met Oliver while working as a coal miner. Oliver inspires Dr.Woodson by encouraging him to read to fellow miners, just as he does for his dad, James. 

Thanks to these inspirations, he began his academic pursuit, a decision that would shape and impact how we celebrate Black history today.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s Early Accomplishments

Before discussing Dr. Woodson’s impact on how we celebrate Black history, let’s take a look at his academic journey. You already know that going to school was only an option for Dr. Woodson on days with inclement weather. 

Therefore, he couldn’t begin taking high school classes in West Virginia until 1895 at the age of twenty. Though older than the typical student at Douglass High School, he completes the two-year program in a year.

After earning his high school diploma, Dr. Woodson went on to pursue higher education and worked several jobs in the process. His academic accolades and professional roles include 

• Working as a railroad builder and coal miner.
• Serving as a Sunday School teacher for the First Baptist Church in Winona. 
• Serving as the president of the board of deacons for the First Baptist Church in Winona.
• Becoming a high school teacher and then principal at his alma mater, Douglass High School.
• Earning a bachelor’s degree in Literature with honors from Berea College in 1903.
• Working for the United States Government as a teacher and supervisor in the Philippines. 
• Earning a master’s degree in European History from the University of Chicago in 1908.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson: A Passionate Black Scholar 

A Writer and Author 

After graduate school, Dr. Woodson obtained his doctorate in History from Harvard University. He is the second African American to accomplish such a feat, behind W.E.B. Du Bois. And, he’s the first African American doctoral recipient in U.S. history whose parents were former slaves.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson didn’t use academic success to boast about his intellect or treat others as inferior. Instead, he heeds Paul’s word in Galatians 5:13 by using his freedom to serve others humbly with love. 

His loving service manifests through his commitment to ensuring African Americans understand the historical contributions Black people have made in America. Dr. Woodson’s life mission is a calling from God, inspiring him to do good works through writing and education.   

As a result, Dr. Carter G. Woodson became

• Founder of what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (1915).
• Creator of the Journal of Negro History (1916).
• Became the Dean of Howard University’s School of Liberal Arts (1919-1920).
• Became the Academic Dean of West Virginia Collegiate Institute (Now West Virginia State University) (1920-22). 
• Founder and President of Associated Publishers, creating books about Black culture. 
• Publisher of many articles and 19 books, including The Mis-Education of the Negro. 

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Criticizes Christianity 

In chapter seven of The Mis-Education of the Negro, Dr. Carter G. Woodson criticizes Christianity in America. One reason is not understanding how Whites could call themselves Christians while oppressing and killing Blacks.  

In his eyes, individuals behaving this way are hypocrites who are not authentic Christians. 

Along with exposing hypocrisy among White Christians, Dr. Woodson also addresses several issues plaguing churches in the Black community.

These issues include

• A high tolerance of sin and social vices
• Dissension among believers unwilling to cooperate for the common good.
• Failure to emphasize social uplift among the youth.
• Oppressive doctrines passed down from White oppressors.
• Unqualified teachers who were unaware of Black congregants’ needs.

Chastising Christianity for its failures among the Black community may cause some to think Dr. Woodson was not a Christian. However, he was a believer whose concern for his community compelled him to expose flaws within the faith.

The Prophet Isaiah, Jesus, and Paul would be proud of Dr. Woodson’s stance. This is because they too exposed the hypocrisy, transgressions, and other conflicts taking place among God’s people. 

Advocating for Black History

Psalm 145:4 informs God’s people that “one generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” This verse refers to one generation passing on their faith in the Lord to the next so they can learn to reverence God.

But if the previous generation fails to pass on knowledge or is ignorant of its history, how can they be an asset to their offspring? Aware of this danger, Dr. Woodson expresses a similar idea through a powerful quote.

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” 

Realizing the importance of understanding the accomplishments of previous generations, Dr. Woodson began advocating for Negro History Week. The week was first celebrated in April 1924 through a program conducted by Woodson’s fraternity brothers, Omega Psi Phi.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson announced Negro History Week would occur in the middle of February. This week honors the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass (February 12th and 14th).  

In 1969, Kent State University advanced Dr. Woodson’s cause by striving to turn the week into a month-long celebration. In 1976, their efforts proved successful as the U.S. officially recognized Black History Month (BHM). 

Continuing the Efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Celebrating BHM Everyday 

Sadly, Dr. Woodson didn’t get to witness BHM coming to fruition because he died on April 3, 1950. But I’m not sure he’d be too concerned about BMH because he envisioned a time when Black history would be celebrated daily.

There are many ways to fulfill his vision as we honor 100 years of Black History being commemorated and 50 years of Black History Month. Individually, we can read books by historical Black leaders that the current presidential administration has banned. Some banned titles include

• • Still I Rise by Maya Angelou.  
  • The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Hailey.
  • The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

Collectively, we can watch movies, YouTube videos, and documentaries about unknown African American leaders and investors. We can also use these same resources to understand the significance of celebrations like DC Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, and Black Music Month.

For visual learners, you can visit Black history-based museums and art galleries in your area or travel to ones in other states.   

As You Learn…

As you learn, don’t be afraid to consume those heinous parts of our history. Though they will make you angry, cause you to cry, and even question God’s methods, they’re worth knowing. 

I speak from experience as the pain our ancestors endured makes me more grateful and motivated, knowing many died for the freedoms I have today.

Most importantly, as you acquire this knowledge, be sure to share this information with everyone you know, especially youth. Passing on this wisdom will keep Black history alive and inspire future generations to make a positive impact on society. 

 Thank you for taking the time to read stories of faith through the Electi A Deo Experience. Feel free to leave a comment below and share this content with everyone you know. Have a blessed Black History Month!