Carter G. Woodson
Carter G. Woodson: A Pioneering Historian and Educator
======================================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia. He is commonly known as Carter G. Woodson.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: December 19, 1875
Died: April 30, 1950
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
Woodson was an American historian, educator, and journalist of African-American descent. He is best known for his contributions to the field of African-American history and his efforts to promote multicultural education.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Woodson was born into a family of former slaves in New Canton, Virginia. His parents, James G. Woodson and Anne Felicia Ruffin, valued education and encouraged Carter's early interest in learning. Despite the limited educational opportunities available to African-Americans during this period, Woodson pursued his passion for history and education, eventually attending high school in Huntington, West Virginia.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Woodson's achievements are a testament to his dedication and perseverance:
In 1901, he became one of the first African-American students at the University of Chicago.
He earned his master's degree from Harvard University in 1912, becoming the second African-American to graduate from the institution.
Woodson went on to earn his Ph.D. in history from Harvard in 1916.Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Woodson is renowned for his groundbreaking publications and initiatives:
In 1915, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Woodson published numerous books on African-American history, including "The Mis-Education of the Negro" (1933) and "The Negro in Our History" (1922).
He was a prolific writer, contributing articles to various publications, including _The Journal of Negro History_ , which he co-founded.
Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Woodson's impact on education and African-American history is immeasurable:
He played a pivotal role in popularizing the study of African-American history, challenging the Eurocentric narrative that dominated educational institutions at the time.
Woodson's work helped to establish African-American studies as an academic discipline, paving the way for future generations of scholars.
His advocacy for multicultural education and his efforts to promote understanding between different cultures continue to inspire educators and historians today.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
-----------------------------------------
Carter G. Woodson's quotes are often cited due to their relevance to issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education:
"If a race has no history, if it has no meaningful past, then it will be aimless in the future also."
* "The Negro is not a nation; he is a people within a nation."
Woodson's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. His pioneering work continues to inspire educators, scholars, and individuals seeking to promote understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and histories.
As we reflect on Woodson's life and achievements, it is clear that his impact extends far beyond the realm of academia. He remains a powerful symbol of resilience, determination, and commitment to social justice – qualities that continue to resonate with people from all walks of life.
Quotes by Carter G. Woodson
Carter G. Woodson's insights on:
The mere imparting of information is not education. Above all things, the effort must result in making a man think and do for himself just as the Jews have done in spite of universal persecution.
Cooperation implies equality of the participants in the particular task at hand.
The differentness of races, moreover, is no evidence of superiority or of inferiority. This merely indicates that each race has certain gifts which the others do not possess. It is by the development of these gifts that every race must justify its right to exist.
From literature the African was excluded altogether. He was not supposed to have expressed any thought worth knowing. The philosophy in the African proverbs and in the rich folklore of that continent was ignored to give preference to that developed on the distant shores of the Mediterranean.
I am not afraid of being sued by white businessmen. In fact, I should welcome such a law suit.
When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.
The same educational process which inspires and stimulates the oppressor with the thought that he is everything and has accomplished everything worth while, depresses.
