Achievers Black History Month Spotlight
Dr. Carter G. Woodson: Writing Prescriptions for Our Social Ills
Black History Month has become a staple of cultural observance in our society over the past several decades. But are we truly aware of how or why BHM originated? Dr. Carter G. Woodson (PhD, Harvard Univ.) was the son of former slaves and did not begin his formal education until the age of 20 (asalh.org). He overcame these obstacles quickly, however, and it was not long before he had earned multiple degrees from some of the best institutions in the country. While examining the written and recorded history of his time, Dr. Woodson realized that very little information existed regarding the accomplishments of black people. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and later created a “Negro History Week” in order to commemorate and raise awareness of the accomplishments of African Americans in 1926. The “Negro History Week” celebration was so successful that it was eventually expanded to Black History Month in 1976.