Carter G. Woodson.
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NOAA celebrates Black History Month 2008 by honoring “Carter G. Woodson and the Origin of Multiculturalism." NOAA embraces the nation's cultural diversity with all its strengths and differences, and the efforts of pioneering intellectuals like Carter Godwin Woodson.
Woodson was born in Virginia to former slaves. Coming from a large, poor family, he could not regularly attend school. But through self-instruction he mastered the fundamentals of common school subjects by age 17. Ambitious for more education, he worked his way through high school and received his diploma at age 20. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, a Ph.D. in history from Harvard, and a Doctor of Laws from West Virginia State College.
Known as the "Father of Black History," Woodson holds an distinguished position in early 20th century American history. He authored several scholarly books and magazines on the positive contributions and roles of Blacks in the development of America. Woodson reached out to schools and the general public by establishing several key organizations, including the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
Woodson encouraged Blacks to be proud of their heritage and other Americans to understand it. Today, his work endures in the institutions and activities he founded and promoted, including Negro History Week, a precursor to Black History Month.
NOAA Blacks in Government awards scholarships each year to deserving students.
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NOAA has taken Woodson’s vision to heart. Multiculturalism flourishes under a bounty of programs and events that embrace diversity and celebrate the contributions of all employees.
Diversity activities that have had longstanding success at NOAA include an event-filled celebration of Black History Month, a large and prominent chapter of Blacks in Government, support for historically black colleges, financial assistance for promising black students and for the Send Your Child to Camp Program, community food and toy drives, mentoring programs, voter registration drives, educational programs, and many other endeavors. NOAA is proud of its culturally diverse workforce and rejoices in the contributions of its multicultural staff and contract colleagues.
Black History Month 2008 is, in fact, a NOAA spotlight on multicultural achievements and the people who carry on the spirit and message of Carter G. Woodson. We invite you to join us in the celebration!