“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), imparted this wisdom. In honor of his legacy as the Father of Black History, the Trent House Association and the Greater Trenton Chapter of ASALH will host a Birthday Commemoration for Dr. Woodson.
On Sunday, December 18th, from 2-4 pm, guests can visit the 1719 Trent House Museum (15 Market St., Trenton, NJ) for an afternoon of education and enlightenment. Plenty of free parking is available for guests in the rear of the Trent House property, located near the Hughes Justice Complex. This is a free event, but space is limited – if you’re interested in attending, please register whenever you get a chance here: Registration – Birthday Commemoration. Guests can look forward to an afternoon of discussion, learn more regarding Woodson’s celebrated book “The Mis-Education of the Negro”, and explore its relevant applications in the present day. Light refreshments will also be served.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson was a scholar and author who was most widely renowned for his commitment to the historical contributions of Black Americans, ultimately leading to the establishment of Black History Month in 1976. In 1875, Woodson was the son of two illiterate parents who were formerly enslaved people. Despite being largely self-taught, Woodson completed his high school diploma in two years and received his bachelor’s degree in Literature from Berea College in Kentucky. After being barred from American Historical Association conferences despite being a paying member, Woodson would use this unfortunate experience of bigotry as a catalyst to found the Association of African American Life and History in 1915.
In 1926, Woodson was the mind behind the first-ever “Negro History Week,” which highlighted the contributions of Black Americans throughout our Nation’s history. The week was intentionally established during the second week in February to line up with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This very initiative would ultimately be the foundation for Black History Month, which is a tradition that is still celebrated annually. Although Woodson passed away in 1950 at 74, his legacy remains today as we continue to explore and uplift the rich history of Black Americans. ASALH is still alive and well today, continuing the transformative work its founder began all those years ago.
ASALH continues its founder’s work and has established branches nationally and internationally. According to their mission, ASALH seeks to “promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.” Some of their initiatives include setting the annual theme of Black History Month, publishing the Annual Black History Theme Learning Resource Package, supporting oral, public, and local history projects, and much more. As a world-class organization, ASALH continues to carry out the work and legacy of the Father of Black History, Dr. Woodson. You can read more about ASALH’s mission and current initiatives here: ASALH – Home.
The Trent House Association is hosting the Birthday Commemoration. The Trent House Association works in collaboration with the City of Trenton to maintain and enhance the integrity of the William Trent House. Throughout the year, the Association is tasked with various initiatives, including supporting the museum, research, and public programming. Through community events and conversations like the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Birthday Commemoration, the Association allows the general public to engage with and learn more about the enticing tales of our nation’s history.
If you’re interested in learning more about the great history of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, be sure to make it out to this impactful event. If you have questions, contact the William Trent House staff at (609) 989-3027 or by using their Contact Us form. As we continue to preserve and uplift Black History nationally and abroad, let us not forget the life and legacy of the Father of Black History, Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
