When you hear the words Black History Month, countless numbers of people usually pop in your head; for me, I automatically think of Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr. So many African Americans are celebrated during the month of February, but the person that is rarely discussed is actually the brains behind making of Black History Month. Carter G. Woodson is better known as The Father of Black History, and thanks to his efforts February is now the month to celebrate African American legends. Woodson was born December 19, 1875, and was born to slaves and his family was extremely poor. Due to his family being poor he couldn’t finish high school until he was in his 20’s. After graduating high school, he enrolled in college and later gained his Ph.D. and was the first member of the historic black fraternity Sigma Pi Phi. Woodson is an inspiration in my life because he was not only was an author, historian, and founder of The African American Life and History, but he was one of the original scholars to take part in educating himself and others about African American history. I have a love for history, and I want to be an educator just as he was. I want to teach history because I believe that students should know where they come from and should always embrace their culture. After all, it is what makes them who they are. I was inspired by the fact that his parents were slaves, and he studied and became an educator to help his people. I am so drawn to his willingness to learn and his goal of being a success. He did not let his environment step in the way of his future; have learned a lot from him, but most of all, I have learned that I am greater than my obstacles and that I can overcome anything as long as I have determination.
Woodson has motivated and inspired me to help others; this passion for helping others may be broad and narrowly defined, but I know this is what makes me happy. Following my passion will allow me to have a positive impact on both a local and global society just how Carter Woodson did. Woodson has motivated me to work towards my PH. D he has taught me that it’s always good to keep educating yourself and perfecting your craft. Due to his impact that he has on me, I now plan to continue my education. With this expertise, I would like to make an impact globally. For example, I plan to be at the forefront of educational reformation. Through his inspiration, I chose to honor him by having a similar mindset as him and knowing that a strong educational background paired with valuable work experience will allow me to transform my passion for helping into a reality of aiding others the same way he did.