Who Was Carter G. Woodson?
Carter G. Woodson was born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents. Growing up his family didn’t have much money, so he worked in coal mines as a child and didn’t start high school until he was almost 20 years old. But he didn’t let that stop him…he had a hunger for knowledge. Woodson graduated in just two years and went on to earn a PhD from Harvard, becoming one of the first Black Americans to do so.
While studying, Woodson realized that history books barely mentioned Black people’s contributions. And when they did, the stories were often inaccurate or incomplete. He knew this had to change.
How Black History Month Began
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson launched “Negro History Week” to celebrate Black achievements and ensure that future generations knew the truth about their history. He chose February because it included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures important to Black liberation. His idea spread quickly. Schools, communities, and organizations across the country joined in, and by 1976, Negro History Week had expanded into the Black History Month we celebrate today.
Making Black History Accessible for Kids
Carter G. Woodson believed that learning Black history shouldn’t be limited to just one month. He though it should be celebrated all year long!
That’s why I’m so excited to share resources that make history fun and engaging for kids, like the Young Historians Black History Flashcards I created with writer/illustrator Bri James.
These flashcards feature 31 Black leaders from past and present, from well-known figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to unsung heroes kids need to know about. Plus, they come with an activity booklet packed with book recommendations and creative ways to use them. If you’re looking for a way to make Black history interactive and exciting for kids, these cards are a must-have.
Join Me in Celebrating Black History Month!
All month long, I’ll be sharing children’s book recommendations and fun ways to explore Black history with young readers. Let’s make sure kids see themselves in history and know they’re part of a legacy of greatness.
Your turn: Tell me in the comments a Black leader you’d love to learn more about this month.
You can check out the Young Historians Black History Flashcards here.
Learn more about Carter G. Woodson by reading the picture book Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Don Tate.
