Celebrating Black History Month: Important Figures in Preserving History

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February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. From pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary leaders and innovators, Black Americans have made lasting and impactful contributions to our society.

Records and archives play an instrumental role in preserving and documenting history. Historians rely on archives and records to uncover and interpret the past, unlocking a deeper understanding of the events, individuals, and communities that have shaped the world.

With the scarcity of adequately maintained records, historians and archivists have long struggled to track and tell the complete story of Black history.

In this post, we will focus on a pair of the most influential Black historians to contribute to the archiving and recordkeeping of African American history.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was an African American historian, author, and scholar who lived from 1875 to 1950. As the founder of Negro History Week, Dr. Woodson is credited as the inspiration for Black History Month.

Woodson was born in Virginia to former slaves, and despite facing significant economic and educational challenges, he earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1912. He became a teacher and an administrator, eventually serving as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University.

Dr. Woodson is best known for his work promoting the study of African American history. He was a strong advocate for the inclusion of Black history in the curriculum of American schools and universities, working tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of this subject.

In 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) , which continues to promote research and understanding of African American history and culture. He also founded The Journal of Negro History, a leading publication in Black history.

Dr. Woodson used a variety of archives and records to inform his research, including government records, newspaper archives, and interviews with African Americans to gather first-hand accounts of their experiences.

Dr. Carter G Woodson knew that the history of African Americans was an integral part of the American story. He championed the belief that it was essential to preserve this history to fully understand our nation's past and present.

Dr. John Hope Franklin

?Dr. John Hope Franklin was an African American historian and scholar who lived from 1915 to 2009. He was one of the most important and influential historians of the 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on Black history and the American South.

Dr. Franklin was born in Oklahoma and grew up in the Jim Crow South, where he faced significant racial discrimination and segregation. Despite these challenges, he earned a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University and eventually became a professor of history at several prominent universities, including Duke University and the University of Chicago.

Dr. John Hope Franklin is best known for his groundbreaking book, "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, " which was first published in 1947 and has since become one of the most widely read and influential texts on African American history. The book offers a comprehensive survey of African American history from slavery to the present and has been hailed for its clarity, depth, and accuracy.

In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Franklin was also a civil rights activist and advocate. He participated in several important civil rights initiatives, including the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, and was a leading voice in the fight for racial justice and equality. Dr. Franklin was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995.

Dr. John Hope Franklin's legacy has inspired future generations of historians, archivists, and scholars. With his pioneering research and commitment to preserving and documenting the history of his community, Dr. Franklin brought attention to the rich and diverse history of African Americans while demonstrating the importance of preservation for future generations.

Conclusion

As we reflect during Black History Month, we honor the work of Dr. Woodson & Dr. Franklin, who have preserved essential information about our past while inspiring future generations for many years to come.

By exploring the works of these trailblazers and utilizing the vast array of archives and resources available, we can continue to gain a deeper understanding of the instrumental role these pioneers played in shaping our nation's history.?