Many people take time to reflect upon the achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history, but not many people know how it all came to be. In 1926, an eminent African American scholar named Dr. Carter Woodson established 'Negro History Week' which was meant to highlight the contributions that African  Americans had made to U.S. history. Soon after, the week was extended to include the entire month, as African Americans finally became recognized as an important part of the history of this country.

Dr. Woodson himself is quite an impressive historical personality; he worked in the coal mines of Kentucky until age 20, when he began high school. He completed his course work in 2 years, and soon after earned a Ph.D. from Harvard. During his studies he was disheartened to find very little about African Americans in the history books of the time, and often when there was reference to the black experience, they were unfair and inaccurate. To combat the lack of information available, Dr. Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a short time after, founded the well-respected Journal of Negro History.

So from Dr. Woodson's desire to give African Americans their proper place in history, we now have a nationally-recognized month dedicated to this worthy cause. It just goes to show you that one man can have a profound effect on this country if his motivations run deep enough.

Culture Shock has one of the Largest selections anywhere of authentic african artwork, clothing, and jewelry.  Discover something new in african heritage and find your own celebration ideas.

Copyright 2005 Culture Shock, LLC.  All Rights Reserved. 

Website professionally designed by The Small Business Empowerment Foundation, Inc.