Councilmember Dr. Charles Vincent on Carter G. Woodson & the Origin of Black History Month
The City of Baker Communication Department spoke with 20 year veteran Councilmember Dr. Charles Vincent, Professor of History at Southern University. We are very appreciative that he took time from his busy schedule to discuss with us today the origin of Black History Month and the man who has been called the "father of black history", Carter Godwin Woodson.
Carter Godwin Woodson (December 19, 1875 – April 3, 1950) was an American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, including African-American history. A founder of The Journal of Negro History in 1916 and in February 1926 he launched the celebration of "Negro History Week", the precursor of Black History Month.
Dr. Vincent directed us to Woodson's statement “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” as we discussed current events, the past and future, we must take care to not only acknowledge but to understand how our past shaped our present and guides us into the future. As we look to our leaders, past and present, drawing upon their examples for inspiration we see they embody the American ideal of “all men are created equal”. They remind us that we all have the same vision for this nation and ourselves of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" therefore, we, as Americans, have far more in common than that which we think separates us.
 At the end of our conversation, Dr. Vincent added, “African American history is a fundamental part of American history – if we want to understand American history we must include all of our history.”
You can learn more about Carter Godwin Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History at the following link: ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month – Association for the Study of African American Life and History (est. 1915)
and you can contact Dr. Vincent at District 1 Council Member – City of Baker (cityofbakerla.com) or Faculty and Staff | Southern University and A&M College (subr.edu)
|
