Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson
1875-1950 | WHY CELEBRATE African American HISTORY MONTH? In 1926, Dr Carter G. Woodson, founded Negro History Week. This celebration and remembrance evolved into Black History Month. Even though Dr. Woodson is not a native or transplant of New Mexico, it is important for all to encourage scholars, to engage, to teach, and study the past as it relates to Africans and their descendants through the world. Even today, some historians still accept a traditional biased picture of African Americans in American and world affairs. Why celebrate African American history in February? It is not some conspiracy to designate the shortest month, nor is it in honor of Frederick Douglas or Abraham Lincoln who were born in February. Dr. Woodson chose February because it took slaves until February to learn the 13th amendment to the constitution signed in January, abolishing slavery. It is because of Dr. Carter Woodson that Black History Month is celebrated across the country today to educate African Americans and the American public about the contributions African Americans made in the formation of our nation's and New Mexico's history and culture. | |
