Also American

Person · 1875–1950

Carter G. Woodson

The "Father of Black History," who founded the study of the Black past and created what became Black History Month.

The founder of Black history as a discipline.

The son of formerly enslaved parents and the second Black American to earn a Harvard PhD, Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and, in 1926, Negro History Week, the origin of Black History Month, insisting that Black history be researched, written, and taught.

On the timeline

  1. 1912
    Carter G. Woodson earns a Harvard PhD

    Becomes the second African American to earn a Harvard doctorate; later founds Black History Week.

  2. February 7, 1926
    Carter G. Woodson launches Negro History Week

    The forerunner of Black History Month is established.

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