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Historian, author, and lournalist, Carter G. Woodson, is known as the Father of Black History. He studied the history of the African diaspora and founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, whose mission is to "create and disseminate knowledge about Black History". A graduate of Harvard University with a PhD in History, Dr. Woodson began the celebration and promotion of Black history and culture through "Negro History Week" in February 1926. His motivation to do this was fueled by frustration that contributions by African-Americans were being "overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed" by history textbook writers and teachers. He believed the tradition of overlooking contributions of African-Americans has led and leads to the wrong conclusion that African-Americans have NEVER contributed anything to mankind's progress. In addition to ensuring that contributions by African-Americans NOT be overlooked, Dr. Woodson also wanted African-Americans to have something to be proud of regarding their history in this nation. Eventually "Negro History Week" grew into what is now known as "Black History Month".
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