Written by Sage | February 26, 2026
The man pictured above is known for his works as an American historian, author, and journalism.
Born on December 19, 1875 in New Canton, VA. Two former enslaved workers, Anne Eliza (nee Riddle) and James Henry Woodson would birth a child and they would name him Carter Godwin Woodson.
As an adolescent, Carter was unable to attend school regularly, cause he had to help on the family farm. But while doing so, he got help from his mother’s brother’s to help him with minor education, so at that time Carter was able to master most of the school subjects.
When Carter was 17, he decided to follow his older brother, Robert Henry, to Huntington, West Virginia. While there, he hoped to attend a secondary school for African Americans, Douglas High School. But Carter worked the coal mines, in southern West Virginia, which left little time for an education. When Carter turned twenty in 1895, he was able to enter Douglas High School full-time and he was able to receive his diploma in 1897.
After earning his Doctoral degree, he continued teaching. In Washington D.C. he was a principal of the all-Black Armstrong Manual Training School. He also joined the faculty at Howard University as a professor, and served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
While being a member of the American Historical Association, realized that they had no interest in Black History, and was not allowed to attend AHA conferences. Carter decided that he wanted an institute that would cater to Black History, but he lacked the funds to finance such a structure. So he turned to well known foundation’s at the time. Carnegie, Julius, and Rockefeller.
On September 9, 1915. Carter Godwin Woodson, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASLNH). Alongside his peers, William D. Hargrove, George Cleveland Hall, Alexander L. Jackson and James E. Stamps.
The man, the myth, the legend.
Carter Godwin Woodson, he made it his effort to make our history notable. We thank him, and we take pride in our history.
