Carter G. Woodson: A Life in Black History (Southern Biography Series)

Dive into the inspiring life of Carter G. Woodson, the formidable scholar and unwavering activist, in "Carter G. Woodson: A Life in Black History" from the Southern Biography Series. Born to former slaves during the Reconstruction era, Woodson emerged as a pivotal figure in American scholarship, becoming the first person of slave parentage to earn a Ph.D. in history. This meticulously researched biography, published on May 1, 1997, captures Woodson’s journey from his modest upbringing in rural Virginia to his monumental contributions to the establishment of black history as a recognized academic discipline. Author Jacqueline Goggin explores Woodson's formative years, his profound educational pursuits at Berea College, the University of Chicago, and Harvard University, and his influential tenure as an educator in Washington, D.C. Through his creation of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and his leadership in publishing pivotal works like "The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861" and "The Negro in Our History," Woodson tirelessly worked to foster racial justice and education equity. His strategic use of scholarship to combat stereotypes and promote policy changes remains a testament to his dedication to uplifting African American communities. Middle school readers will find this biography a compelling introduction to the impacts of education on social change and racial justice, encouraging them to reflect on the power of knowledge and persistence in overcoming societal barriers.