Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) was an African American historian, author, and educator, often called the “Father of Black History.” Born to formerly enslaved parents in Virginia, he worked tirelessly to promote the study of African American history. He was the second African American person to earn a PhD from Harvard University (after W.E.B. Du Bois) and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915 to research and preserve Black history.

In 1926, Woodson launched Black History Week, choosing February to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. His goal was to highlight African American achievements and challenge the omission of African Americans from mainstream history. Over time, the celebration expanded, and in 1976, it officially became Black History Month in the U.S. His efforts ensured that African American contributions would be recognized and studied beyond just one week or month.