ASALH Teachers Are Important
Inspiring Teachers - Mary McLeod Bethune
Inspiring Teachers - Dr. Carter G. WoodsonDr. Carter G. Woodson also had a career in education. He knew that the role of African Americans had been completely ignored or misrepresented by historians, so he dedicated his life to correct and affirm their role and created the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Inc., known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH). He understood that education and expanding social and professional connections among Black and white people would reduce racism. He had worked for several years as a teacher in Winona, West Virginia before returning to his high school alma mater to serve as its principal. For several years, he took a job as a teacher and school supervisor in the Philippines under the auspices of the War Department. While in the Philippines, he saw the mistakes made in Filipino education and vowed to makeeducation more relevant to Black Americans when he returned home. Upon his arrival in the nation's capital, he taught American history, English, French, and Spanish languages at the M Street School (now known as Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School), and then worked as principal at the Armstrong Manual Training School in 1918. Later, he worked as the dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Howard University. Then, he became the dean at West Virginia Collegiate Institute (now known as West Virginia State University). After a few years, he realized that ASALH needed his undivided attention, so he retired from academia. However, he never retired from educating the masses. 
NPS Two Powerhouses Join ForcesIn 1936, Mary McLeod Bethune became the first female president of ASALH, and she encouaged her good friend and colleague Dr. Carter G. Woodson to create The Negro History Bulletin. While The Journal of Negro History was popular within the educated classes, both educators wanted something that would be easily accessible and that would call on everyday people, especially teachers and young students. “The organization will not only produce scholarly monographs, but also collected and published primary research materials that other scholars could use." Woodson realized that he had a major responsibility to preserve historical as well as contemporary documents on the Black experience for future generations. He was determined to change and correct the racist biases that plagued historical work about the African American experience and their role in American History. One of his highest priorities was breaking with the misconception that Black people were primarily victims, but instead shined a light on their more important and active roles in American History. Reflecting on the Past, Present, and FutureTake a moment to reflect on the legacy these two giants left for us. All of the hours of hard work, ultimately working for a country that would be a home to us all. They knew the future was secured with the correct and proper education of our youth. Learning about the deeds of our forefathers and mothers helps to elevate our worthiness. Their friendship and teamwork serves as an example and an inspiration to us all. We all have had teachers that have inspired us to be better and to look to a brighter future. Who has inspired you? How will you inspire others? |
Last updated: August 12, 2023