This Black History Month, take a moment to explore the life and legacy of Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950), often recognized as the “father of Negro History.” Woodson was self-educated as a child and did not begin formal secondary schooling until the age of 20. He nonetheless remained committed to education and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees, culminating in a PhD from Harvard University in 1912. In doing so, he became the second African American to receive a doctorate from the institution, following W. E. B. Du Bois.
Throughout his career, Woodson championed the study and preservation of Black history and culture in the United States. He lamented inferior representations of African American men and women in the “Anglo-Saxon” -dominated curriculum of the early 20th century. “If you teach the Negro that he has accomplished as much good as any other race,” he argued, “he will aspire to equality and justice without regard to race” (from the Mis-Education of the Negro). In this spirit, he fought for a more accurate representation of Black history in textbooks and historical study more broadly. As a founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, he launched the Journal of Negro History in 1915, wrote or co-authored more than 20 works, and played a pivotal role in establishing Negro History Week in 1926—the foundation of today’s Black History Month.
As we observe Black History Month’s 100th anniversary, we celebrate Woodson’s profound impact and enduring vision. Here are some meaningful ways to honor his legacy:
Check out a book by Woodson at the Emory Libraries
Woodson’s books have been reprinted and are available for checkout from the Woodruff Library or your local public library.
The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933)
The Negro in Our History (1922)
The Story of the Negro Retold (1935)
Visit the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library
Want to view the books that made up Woodson’s personal library? Come to the Rose Library! In 2004, Emory became the home of Woodson’s library. Emory students, faculty, staff and members of the public are welcome to view a catalog of the volumes in the collection as well as the books themselves. For more information contact rose [dot] library [at] emory [dot] edu.
Attend an event hosted by ASALH
Woodson’s work to promote and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture continues through the activities of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This month, attend an event hosted by the Association in Atlanta or a city near you!
Read articles in Journal of African American History
ASALH continues to publish the Journal of Negro History, now called the Journal of African American History. Visit a local academic library to read articles such as “A Canary in the Coal Mine: Lewis McMillan and Black Colleges during the Age of Jim Crow” by Emory Professor of African American Studies Crystal R. Sanders, published in the February 2025 issue of the journal.
Check out a book about Woodson at the Emory Libraries
Carter G. Woodson: A Life in Black History by Jacqueline Goggin
Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching by Jarvis R. Givens
Happy Black History Month! For questions about African American history collections at the Emory Libraries, contact African American Studies librarian Erica Bruchko.
—by Erica Bruchko, US history and African American Studies librarian