Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, eminent scholar, historian, author, journalist, and founder of the nonprofit Association for the Study of African American Life and History, has long been regarded as the “Father of Black History.”
Woodson died April 3, 1950; however, the Memphis Area Branch of ASALH paid tribute to Woodson on Dec. 17 via Zoom, two days before his 145th birthday on Dec. 19, 2020.
Meanwhile, the national ASALH and many of its chapters across the country enacted their own plans to honor Woodson on the actual date of his birth. They, too, intended to keep the memory and legacy of ASALH’s founder alive.
The local birthday tribute to Woodson provided the impetus for a panel discussion by ASALH’s membership of civic leaders, historians, educators, community activists and others who were invited to join.
James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, provided context for the tribute and served essentially as ASALH’s official song and the starting point of the tribute.
A virtual tree lighting then commenced, which was replete with ornaments that were handmade and dangled from the tree with Woodson’s book covers, photographs, writings, and the shield of Woodson’s fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.
“We added as many of his works that we could find,” said Delores Briggs, the chapter’s secretary. “Once these ornaments are removed, we can study them further. And each year we will add another aspect of his life.”
Clarence Christian, ASALH’s vice president of programs, learned about Woodson earlier in his life and shared with members his “respect and reverence” for Woodson’s scholastic achievement.
He wants to keep Woodson’s legacy in the forefront of African Americans with ASALH’s mission in mind: “to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.”
“It’s an honor for me to talk about a people who I respect, admire and revere,” he said.
Woodson led a distinguish career in academia. He was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, in addition to his study of African-American history.
He founded “The Journal of Negro History” in 1916 and launched ahead with “Negro History Week” in February of 1926. The weeklong observation was the precursor of Black History Month.
Woodson was the son of former slaves Anne Eliza (Riddle) and James Henry Woodson. He was 20 when he graduated from high school in 1897 and went from there to achieve immeasurable success.
His contributions are duly noted, which Christian attested to during the tribute, and have long been sealed in the annals of American and African-American history.
Though ASALH’s local chapter is comprised of some of Memphis’ best-known minds, Yvonne B. Acey, the chapter president, pitched the idea of adding more youth to the organization.
“We are a great people and have a great history. Young people are our greatest investment,” said Acey, who along with her husband, Dr. David L. Acey Sr., founded African In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc.
She added: “Black lives matter and so does Dr. Carter G. Woodson.”
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