99th Annual Observance of African American History Might Be the Most Important Yet
By DL White
“When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it.”
— Excerpt from The Miseducation of the Negro by Dr. Carter G. Woodson
The observance of African American/Black History Awareness is under attack as never before since its inception in the United States.
DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—embodies the very principles America was founded upon. It is not a threat, nor is it merely a program. Rather, DEI is an investment in the nation’s uniqueness and strength.
America thrives when people of all backgrounds contribute to its growth. DEI does not provide an unfair advantage; it serves as a reminder and a call for businesses and institutions to uphold fairness and opportunity.
The vilification and dismantling of DEI initiatives by the Trump administration amount to nothing more than a continuation of age-old race-baiting tactics. These efforts demean the cultural significance and invaluable contributions of African Americans to this nation.
February marks the 99th anniversary of African American History Awareness Month (commonly known as Black History Month)—perhaps the most critical observance since Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced the concept in 1926.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson: The Architect of Black History Awareness
Dr. Woodson, a West Virginia native, was born to formerly enslaved parents and rose to become the third African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University in 1912 (preceded by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1895).
Woodson’s commitment to sharing factual history—what he called “truths about the Negro’s involvement not only in America’s development but also in global achievements”—was shaped by his extensive travels and studies.
In 1915, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) and, in the same year, founded The Journal of Negro History.
From an early age, Woodson possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He attended a local school near his family’s farm in New Canton, Virginia, absorbing every bit of information available in the multi-level classroom.
Through hard work, he eventually saved enough money to enroll at Berea College in Kentucky and later earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago in 1907.
In 1908, Woodson studied at Sorbonne University in Paris, becoming fluent in French. In 1912, he reached the pinnacle of academic achievement, earning a Ph.D. in history from Harvard.
Woodson’s love for learning was only rivaled by his passion for writing and research. He was an active member of the Niagara Movement, a regular columnist for Marcus Garvey’s Negro World, and a prolific writer, producing more than 100 articles and 125 book reviews throughout his career.
As the founder and editor of the Negro History Bulletin and the author of more than 30 books, Woodson is best known for The Miseducation of the Negro (1933), a work that remains strikingly relevant today.
In this seminal book, Woodson wrote:
“When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it.
You do not need to send him to the back door; he will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.”
A Legacy of Education and Empowerment
In 1920, Woodson was invited by Omega Psi Phi to deliver the keynote address at its 9th Annual Conclave in Nashville, Tennessee. His speech, Bondage and the Man Far Down, was an eloquent plea for college-educated Black men to uplift their communities by teaching history and instilling pride in their heritage.
The fraternity embraced Woodson’s challenge, launching programs across the country to educate and empower Black Americans.
Woodson firmly believed that if African Americans knew the truth about their history—a history that includes bravery in war, discoveries in medicine and science, and artistic and intellectual achievements—this knowledge would elevate self-perception and shift the national narrative.
Dr. Woodson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. both understood the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. If America had truly upheld its founding ideals, DEI would never have been necessary.
The Attack on DEI is an Attack on Black Progress
The fear, ignorance, and racism driving efforts to erase Black history and dismantle DEI programs are as transparent as they are dangerous.
Trump’s attack on DEI and his use of fear tactics send a clear message to his base: that Black professionals and leaders are undeserving, that their achievements are merely the result of preferential treatment rather than hard-earned success. This is a blatant lie.
African American history should be celebrated and acknowledged every day—not just in February.
D.L. White is the author of Discovering The SAUNK In U and The Sensational Letter S!
