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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