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February is African American/Black History Month. And, as with all observances, this month is designated not to divide or distinguish differences, but more importantly, to educate, promote and learn about diversity and contributions by Americans of all cultures.
***image1***This year’s African American/Black History Month observance shares a significant importance as a tribute to Carter G. Woodson, the founding father of Black History Month.
A distinguished black author, editor, publisher and historian, Carter G. Woodson was born in New Canton, Buckingham County, Va., in December 1875 as the son of former slaves James Henry Woodson and Anne Eliza Riddle.
He was educated at Berea College, the University of Chicago and Harvard University, and received a Ph.D. from Harvard in 1912. Dr. Woodson became the dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Howard University from 1919 to 1920 and of West Virginia Institute (now West Virginia State University) from 1920 to 1922.
He played a significant part in encouraging others to educate on the history of Blacks during an era when many would have preferred to ignore or expunge the importance of black history in America all together. Dr. Woodson strived to share with Americans what black history represents and, in doing so, felt its history would not be so easily erased.
To the present day, Dr. Woodson’s endeavors continue to positively impact many Americans. His initial efforts helped establish in 1915 the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History; an outlet for the publication of works of African-American history and the scholarly work of Black scholars. In 1926, the association, under Dr. Woodson’s leadership, established Negro History Week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Today this commemoration has expanded into Black History Month.
Similar to Dr. Woodson’s goals, the U.S. government continues to carry on this tradition of educating and recognizing the contributions and achievements of African Americans. Today, it is clear that African Americans have significantly impacted the development of numerous American facets including social, political, economic, scientific and historical aspects of the United States and the world.
Credit for the evolving awareness of Blacks in history can, in large part, be bestowed on one man, Carter G. Woodson.
Being a pioneer in his own right, Dr. Woodson recognized what African American/Blacks have and continue to accomplish. The U.S. military also recognizes diversity, but more importantly it also recognizes how diverseness contributes to mission effectiveness.
So, take time this month to learn and understand the importance of African American History Month. It serves well in the advancement of a strong and diverse military.
(Courtesy of 435th Equal Opportunity Office)
