Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was a black historian, author, and journalist who founded the Society for the Study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first academics to recognize and research African-American history. He understood the value of people being aware of and knowledgeable about their contributions to humanity, and he left a lasting legacy. Dr. Woodson is regarded as the Father of Black History, having founded the Journal of Negro History (now known as the Journal of African-American History).