Carter G. Woodson—educator, historian, writer, and the “Father of Black History”—established Negro History Week in 1926. He believed that celebrating the achievements of Black Americans and others in the African diaspora would instill racial pride in Black people, especially our children. Carter, who holds the distinction as the second African-American that received a doctorate from Harvard University, chose February for Negro History Week because of his admiration for Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. He strove relentlessly with scholars, schools, organizations, and the community to focus on remembering the history and accomplishments of Black people and their contributions to the country.
During the 1960s, Black History observances and events continued past the specified week and lasted throughout February. In 1976, the United States officially began recognizing February as Black History Month. The beginning of Black History Month is only a few days away, so parents, educators, community leaders: Carter G. Woodson’s vision remain as pertinent now as it was in 1926. We’re featuring a list of great books for all ages. Go here for more history books. Our stories matter.
“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.”—Carter G. Woodson
African Beginnings – James Haskins & Kathleen Benson, Illustrations – Floyd Copper
Kings and Queens of West Africa – Sylviane A. Diouf
Ira’s Shakespeare Dream – Glenda Armand, Illustrations – Floyd Cooper
Ticktock Banneker’s Clock – Shana Keller, Illustrations – David Gardner
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton – Don Tate
Strange Fruit, Volume I: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History – Joel Christian Gill
Extraordinary People of the Harlem Renaissance – P. Stephen Hardy & Sheila Jackson Hardy
Pathfinders: The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls – Tonya Bolden
The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage – Walter Dean Myers & Bill Miles
Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad – Ann Petry
Rebels Against Slavery: American Slave Revolts – Patricia & Fredrick McKissack
Pennies to Dollars: The Story of Maggie Lena Walker – Muriel Miller Branch & Dorothy Marie Rice
Wake Up Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists – Tonya Bolden
Extraordinary People Of The Civil Rights Movement – Sheila Jackson Hardy & P. Stephen Hardy
Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition – Margot Lee Shetterly
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition – Misty Copeland
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance – Simone Biles w/Michelle Burford
