{"id":39732,"date":"2024-02-16T08:33:45","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T13:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grantwatch.com\/grantnews\/?p=39732"},"modified":"2024-02-19T09:10:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T14:10:53","slug":"spotlight-carter-g-woodson-the-father-of-black-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grantwatch.com\/grantnews\/spotlight-carter-g-woodson-the-father-of-black-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight: Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

February is the time to recognize the integral role that African Americans play in the history of this country. In recognition of this, a spotlight shines on Dr. Carter G. Woodson, also known as the “Father of Black History.” This remarkable individual was born in Virginia, in 1875, to former slaves. Against all odds, he became a learned scholar, a renowned author, and a staunch representative of the Civil Rights Movement. A true visionary, he created what would later grow into a month-long observance to honor Black History.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Woodson dedicated his life to documenting and promoting the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. In addition, he sought to combat racial prejudice and discrimination through education and awareness. In 1926, he founded Negro History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month. He recognized the importance of making black history accessible to every community. To honor Dr. Woodson, GrantWatch<\/a><\/strong> would like to direct readers to a select list of grants, found among the over 1800 grants BIPOC<\/a><\/strong> search category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who was Carter G. Woodson?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Carter G. Woodson<\/a><\/strong> was born in 1875 in New Canton, Virginia, to formerly enslaved parents. Growing up in a segregated society, Woodson faced numerous challenges accessing education. His family was very poor. However, his mother could read, having been taught by her former mistress. This was uncommon for the time. His father was illiterate. Despite this, he escaped slavery during the Civil War and joined the Union Army as a scout. It\u2019s easy to see where Woodson got his intellect, strength, and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 It was these very character traits that led him to pursue learning despite the mountainous obstacles in his path. He worked as a miner and a sharecropper to support himself while he furthered his studies. There were stops and starts and it took him time, but he achieved his goals. Eventually, he earned his high school diploma and went on to attend Berea College in Kentucky. He followed that up with the University of Chicago, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Woodson’s early experiences of racial inequality and his perseverance in overcoming them would later shape his lifelong dedication to African American history and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Short List of His Notable Achievements<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n